CVE-2021-33147 in IPP Crypto Library
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Improper conditions check in the Intel(R) IPP Crypto library before version 2021.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33147 resides within the Intel(R) IPP Crypto library, a critical component used for cryptographic operations in various software applications and systems. This library serves as a foundational element for implementing secure communications, data encryption, and cryptographic functions across numerous platforms and products. The flaw manifests in improper conditions checking mechanisms that fail to adequately validate certain operational parameters, creating potential security gaps that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the cryptographic processing functions of the IPP Crypto library. When an authenticated user gains local access to a system utilizing this vulnerable library, they can manipulate specific conditions that should normally trigger protective mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects versions prior to 2021.2, indicating that Intel identified and addressed the issue through subsequent releases. This improper conditions check allows for information disclosure scenarios where sensitive cryptographic data or operational details could be exposed through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal validation routines.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the integrity of cryptographic operations within affected systems. Local access requirements mean that attackers must first establish a foothold on the target system, but once achieved, they can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information that might include cryptographic keys, session data, or other confidential operational parameters. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-252, which addresses "Unchecked Return Value" conditions, where the library fails to properly verify the outcomes of critical cryptographic operations before proceeding with subsequent processing steps. This weakness creates a chain reaction where subsequent operations may process invalid or manipulated data without proper safeguards.
The security implications of CVE-2021-33147 demonstrate the critical importance of proper input validation in cryptographic libraries, as these components often serve as the foundation for broader security implementations. Organizations using affected versions of the Intel IPP Crypto library should prioritize immediate remediation efforts, as the vulnerability could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other exploitation techniques. The flaw also represents a significant concern for compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, where proper validation of cryptographic operations is essential for maintaining system integrity and data protection. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected library versions, implementation of additional monitoring for suspicious local access patterns, and comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the cryptographic infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and similar local execution methods, as attackers may leverage local access to manipulate the vulnerable library's behavior for information extraction purposes.