CVE-2021-0170 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-0170, a vulnerability that exposes sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in the firmware of certain Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi products across multiple operating systems and some Killer Wi-Fi products on Windows 10 and 11.

Understanding CVE-2021-0170

CVE-2021-0170 is a security vulnerability that could potentially enable information disclosure via local access by an authenticated user.

What is CVE-2021-0170?

The vulnerability exposes sensitive information to unauthorized actors in the firmware of specific Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi products in various operating systems and some Killer Wi-Fi products on Windows 10 and 11.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0170

An authenticated user could potentially facilitate information disclosure through local access, leading to a risk of exposure of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0170

CVE-2021-0170 is primarily characterized by the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to access sensitive information on affected Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer Wi-Fi products in specific operating systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple operating systems with Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and some Killer Wi-Fi products in Windows 10 and 11 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2021-0170 involves leveraging the exposed sensitive information in the firmware of the affected Wi-Fi products.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0170, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and users should apply security patches provided by Intel to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation and access controls to minimize unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Regularly update firmware and software to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Intel and apply relevant patches promptly to maintain the security of Wi-Fi products.