CVE-2021-0134 in Security Library
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Improper input validation in an API for the Intel(R) Security Library before version 3.3 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via network access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0134 resides within the Intel(R) Security Library, a critical component designed to provide cryptographic services and security functions for various computing platforms. This library serves as a foundational element for numerous security operations including encryption, decryption, and authentication processes across different Intel-based systems. The flaw manifests in the application programming interface of this security library, specifically in how it processes incoming data inputs from network sources. Prior to version 3.3, the library failed to adequately validate the format and content of data received through its API endpoints, creating a potential vector for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the API layer of the Intel Security Library. When privileged users transmit specially crafted data through the affected API interfaces, the system does not properly validate the structure or content of this input before processing it. This weakness allows for the possibility of malformed data to be accepted and subsequently processed in ways that can cause system instability or complete service disruption. The vulnerability operates at the boundary between trusted and untrusted data inputs, where proper validation should occur but fails to materialize. According to CWE classification, this represents a variant of CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which encompasses a broad category of flaws involving insufficient validation of input data that can lead to various security consequences including denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0134 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall integrity of security operations within affected systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable a privileged attacker to cause denial of service conditions that may persist until system restart or manual intervention. The affected environment typically includes systems that rely on Intel Security Library for cryptographic operations, which encompasses servers, workstations, and embedded devices using Intel processors. The vulnerability's network accessibility means that an attacker positioned within the network perimeter could potentially exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the target system. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to disrupt network services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center primarily on updating to Intel Security Library version 3.3 or later, which includes proper input validation mechanisms that address the identified weakness. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected library and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted network traffic. Additional protective measures include monitoring for anomalous API usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing input validation at multiple layers of the system architecture, and maintaining regular security updates for all cryptographic libraries. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious network traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications that depend on the Intel Security Library functionality, as proper validation mechanisms may alter expected behavior of legitimate input processing.