CVE-2021-0135 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-0135, detailing the vulnerability found in the Intel(R) Ethernet Diagnostic Driver for Windows before version 1.4.0.10, which may lead to privilege escalation through local access.

Understanding CVE-2021-0135

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-0135.

What is CVE-2021-0135?

CVE-2021-0135 involves improper input validation in the Intel(R) Ethernet Diagnostic Driver for Windows before version 1.4.0.10, potentially enabling a privileged user to escalate their privileges via local access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0135

The vulnerability in the driver could allow a malicious actor with local access to escalate their privileges, posing a significant security risk to the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0135

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in the Intel(R) Ethernet Diagnostic Driver for Windows before version 1.4.0.10, opening the door for potential privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Intel(R) Ethernet Diagnostic Driver for Windows versions prior to 1.4.0.10 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving them susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

A privileged user leveraging the vulnerability in the driver could exploit it via local access to gain escalated privileges, increasing the overall security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore immediate steps to secure your systems and establish long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0135.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply security patches or updates provided by Intel to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, restrict privileged access and monitor system activity for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security policy, conduct regular security assessments, and educate users on best practices to enhance overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update the Intel(R) Ethernet Diagnostic Driver for Windows to the latest version (1.4.0.10 or higher) to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched and the system is protected against potential exploits.