CVE-2021-33071 in oneAPI Rendering Toolkit
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Incorrect default permissions in the installer for the Intel(R) oneAPI Rendering Toolkit before version 2021.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33071 affects the Intel oneAPI Rendering Toolkit installer prior to version 2021.2, representing a critical security flaw in the software installation process. This issue stems from improper default permissions assigned during the installation procedure, creating a pathway for authenticated users to potentially escalate their privileges through local system access. The vulnerability specifically targets the installer component rather than the runtime functionality, making it a pre-execution privilege escalation vector that requires local system access to exploit effectively.
The technical flaw manifests in the installer's handling of file and directory permissions during the installation of Intel oneAPI Rendering Toolkit components. When the installer creates system directories or files, it assigns overly permissive default access controls that allow authenticated users to modify or execute components that should remain restricted to administrative privileges. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by an attacker who has already gained local authentication access to the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges that would allow them to modify system files, install malicious software, or access sensitive data. An authenticated user with local access could potentially leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges, effectively bypassing standard security controls. This creates a significant risk for environments where multiple users share the same system or where the toolkit is installed on systems with less stringent access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where system administrators may not always be aware of the installer's permission settings or where automated installation processes might not properly secure the installation artifacts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-33071 should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of Intel oneAPI Rendering Toolkit version 2021.2 or later, which contains the necessary permission fixes. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing installations to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure that proper access controls are implemented for all installed components. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for user accounts and conducting regular security assessments of installed software packages can help prevent exploitation of similar permission-related vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain visibility into the security posture of their Intel oneAPI toolkit installations.