How severe is CVE-2021-33161?

CVE-2021-33161 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-33161 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-33161?

CVE-2021-33161 primarily affects Intel Ethernet Controller I225-it Firmware. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-33161?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2021-33161 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2021-33161 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2021-19876.

When was CVE-2021-33161 published?

CVE-2021-33161 was published on 2024-02-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-33161

CVE-2021-33161 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel Ethernet Controller I225-it Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (11th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2021-19876
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Intel Ethernet Controller I225-it Firmware
Published: 2024-02-23
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper input validation in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-33161?: Improper input validation in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
How severe is CVE-2021-33161?: CVE-2021-33161 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-33161 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-33161?: CVE-2021-33161 primarily affects Intel Ethernet Controller I225-it Firmware. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-33161?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2021-33161 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2021-33161 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2021-19876.
When was CVE-2021-33161 published?: CVE-2021-33161 was published on 2024-02-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00756.html

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:intel:ethernet_controller_i225-it_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:ethernet_controller_i225-lm_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:intel:ethernet_controller_i225-v_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:intel:ethernet_adapter_complete_driver:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Intel Ethernet Controller I225-it Firmware

CVE-2021-33141 — High (CVSS 8.6): Improper input validation in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability…
CVE-2021-33162 — High (CVSS 8.4): Improper access control in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware…
CVE-2022-37341 — High (CVSS 7.2): Improper access control in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware…
CVE-2021-33158 — High (CVSS 7.2): Improper neutralization in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware…
CVE-2021-33157 — High (CVSS 7.2): Insufficient control flow management in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225…
CVE-2021-33145 — High (CVSS 7.2): Uncaught exception in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware may…

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