CVE-2021-0196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article discusses the CVE-2021-0196 vulnerability, which involves improper access control in the kernel mode driver for certain Intel(R) NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits before version 2.2.0.20, potentially allowing an authenticated user to escalate privileges locally.

Understanding CVE-2021-0196

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2021-0196.

What is CVE-2021-0196?

The CVE-2021-0196 vulnerability relates to improper access control in the kernel mode driver for specific Intel(R) NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits before version 2.2.0.20, providing an opportunity for an authenticated user to achieve privilege escalation through local access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0196

This vulnerability could be exploited by an authenticated user to elevate privileges locally, which poses a significant security risk to affected systems and data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0196

This section will provide technical insights into CVE-2021-0196.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper access control in the kernel mode driver utilized by certain Intel(R) NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits before version 2.2.0.20, enabling an authenticated user to potentially escalate privileges through local access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts Intel(R) NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits running versions prior to 2.2.0.20, leaving them vulnerable to privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of proper access control within the kernel mode driver, an authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges locally and potentially gain unauthorized system access.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-0196.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Intel(R) NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits to version 2.2.0.20 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Implementing least privilege principles can also help limit the impact of potential privilege escalation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitoring for security patches and updates from Intel is crucial to maintaining a secure environment. Additionally, enforcing strict access controls and user permissions can help prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Patching and Updates

Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches and firmware updates provided by Intel to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.