CVE-2021-33113 is a high-severity vulnerability impacting multiple Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi firmware versions, as well as Killer(TM) WiFi in Windows 10 and 11. This vulnerability allows improper input validation, which may enable an unauthenticated user to potentially execute denial of service or information disclosure attacks via adjacent access. The CVSS score of 8.1 indicates that this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations.
The urgency for organizations to patch this vulnerability is high. Given its potential to allow unauthorized access and exploit sensitive information through network proximity, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences, including service disruptions and data breaches.
As of now, there are no known exploits or public proof of concept related to CVE-2021-33113, but organizations should not be complacent. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that it could be leveraged by attackers with adjacent network access, leading to unauthorized actions within the affected systems.
Organizations must take immediate actions to identify and remediate affected systems, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable to exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified as improper input validation under CWE-20. The associated CVSS score of 8.1 signifies a high severity level, indicating the potential for significant impact on confidentiality and availability. The vulnerability affects several Intel WiFi firmware components, including the ac_3165_firmware, ac_3168_firmware, and others, as detailed in the configurations section.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the specified Intel WiFi firmware. Attackers may exploit this weakness by sending crafted inputs that the firmware fails to validate adequately, potentially leading to denial of service conditions or information disclosure.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is classified as adjacent network, with low complexity required for exploitation. Importantly, no privileges are required to engage in an attack, nor is user interaction necessary. This scenario heightens the risk, as unauthorized users can leverage this vulnerability without needing to authenticate.
The potential impacts include a high level of confidentiality impact and high availability impact, while integrity remains unaffected. Organizations must consider these factors when assessing their risk exposure.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-33113 is significant, particularly for environments utilizing Intel WiFi technologies. The potential for denial of service and information disclosure can have profound implications for organizations, especially in sectors where sensitive data is handled. Organizations must recognize the blast radius potential, as attackers leveraging this vulnerability could disrupt services or gain unauthorized access to confidential information.
With a CVSS score of 8.1, organizations should treat this vulnerability with high urgency. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks involved and to safeguard sensitive information from potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include various Intel WiFi firmware components, specifically versions of ac_1550_firmware, ac_3165_firmware, ac_3168_firmware, ac_7265_firmware, ac_8260_firmware, ac_8265_firmware, ac_9260_firmware, ac_9461_firmware, ac_9462_firmware, ac_9560_firmware, ax1650_firmware, ax1675_firmware, ax200_firmware, ax201_firmware, and ax210_firmware. All versions prior to the respective vendor patches should be considered vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Intel has released patches for the affected firmware versions. Organizations should promptly update their systems to the latest firmware versions provided by Intel to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing network segmentation to restrict access to vulnerable components. Additionally, organizations should conduct a thorough review of their network configurations and apply appropriate hardening measures to protect against potential exploits.
Penetration testing can also be utilized to assess vulnerabilities and verify the effectiveness of patches applied.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns that may suggest attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Key indicators include unexpected network traffic to and from affected firmware components, and anomalies that deviate from normal operational behavior. Employing network security monitoring tools can help in detecting and responding to potential threats.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-33113 highlights the importance of proactive vulnerability management in organizations. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with improper input validation, particularly in network-accessible firmware. Continuous monitoring and timely patching are crucial strategies for mitigating similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Security teams should also consider developing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to effectively identify, assess, and remediate vulnerabilities. This includes integrating security practices into the software development lifecycle to minimize risk exposure.
Additionally, organizations can benefit from engaging in penetration testing methodology to regularly assess their security posture and identify weaknesses.
In conclusion, CVE-2021-33113 serves as a critical reminder of the evolving threat landscape and the necessity for ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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