CVE-2021-0121 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability labeled as CVE-2021-0121 has been identified in Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe MAX Dedicated Graphics Drivers for Windows 10 before version 27.20.100.9466. This vulnerability could potentially enable an authenticated user to escalate privileges through local access.

Understanding CVE-2021-0121

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2021-0121 to understand the nature and impact of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-0121?

The CVE-2021-0121 vulnerability involves improper access control in the installer for certain Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe MAX Dedicated Graphics Drivers for Windows 10, specifically versions prior to 27.20.100.9466. This flaw could be exploited by an authenticated user to orchestrate an escalation of privilege via local access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0121

The impact of CVE-2021-0121 could be severe as it allows an authenticated user to potentially elevate their privileges on the system, paving the way for unauthorized access and malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0121

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-0121, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control in the installer of Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe MAX Dedicated Graphics Drivers for Windows 10 versions preceding 27.20.100.9466.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is specifically the Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe MAX Dedicated Graphics Drivers for Windows 10 before version 27.20.100.9466.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated user could exploit this vulnerability through local access to potentially enable escalation of privilege on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-0121, certain preventive measures need to be taken immediately and in the long run.

Immediate Steps to Take

In response to this vulnerability, users should consider implementing immediate security measures to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation and unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security practices and policies can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for users to apply patches and updates provided by Intel to address the CVE-2021-0121 vulnerability and secure their systems.