CVE-2021-0066 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11 are impacted by an escalation of privilege vulnerability due to improper input validation in the firmware.

Understanding CVE-2021-0066

This CVE identifier pertains to a security flaw in Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi that could lead to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2021-0066?

The vulnerability in the firmware of Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi allows unauthorized users to potentially escalate their privileges locally, paving the way for security breaches and unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0066

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, manipulate data, install malware, and carry out other malicious activities by exploiting the flaw.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0066

Below are the technical details associated with CVE-2021-0066:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a result of improper input validation in the firmware for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi. It enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges via local access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi in multiple operating systems and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11. Specific versions impacted can be found in the provided references.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability may be exploited by unauthenticated users locally to achieve privilege escalation, posing a severe security risk to affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0066, consider the following security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply patches and security updates provided by Intel promptly to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls, regularly update firmware, and monitor network traffic to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories and patches from Intel to ensure systems are protected from known vulnerabilities.