CVE-2021-33166 in RXT
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Incorrect default permissions for the Intel(R) RXT for Chromebook application, all versions, 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-2021-33166 affects the Intel(R) RXT for Chromebook application across all its versions, presenting a critical security flaw related to improper default permissions. This issue specifically targets the application's file system access controls and privilege management mechanisms, creating a pathway for authenticated users to exploit local system resources. The flaw stems from the application's failure to implement appropriate access controls during its initial installation or configuration process, allowing unauthorized information disclosure through local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's default permission settings that are too permissive for the system resources it accesses. When the Intel RXT for Chromebook application is installed, it establishes default file system permissions that do not adequately restrict access to sensitive data or system components. This misconfiguration allows any authenticated user account with access to the Chromebook system to potentially read or access information that should remain restricted. The flaw operates at the operating system level where file permissions and access control lists are not properly enforced during the application's initialization phase.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for Chromebook environments where multiple users may share devices or where unauthorized individuals gain physical access to systems. The information disclosure threat manifests when an authenticated user can access sensitive data that was not intended for their access level, potentially including user credentials, system logs, or application-specific configuration files. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Chromebooks are deployed for business use, as it could enable data exfiltration or facilitate further attacks through the disclosure of system information.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system. Organizations utilizing Intel RXT for Chromebook applications should implement immediate mitigations including manual permission adjustments, application updates from Intel, and system monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The recommended approach involves reviewing and tightening default file permissions for the application's installation directories and ensuring that proper access controls are enforced through system configuration management. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates that address this specific permission flaw.