CVE-2021-33119 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the Intel RealSense Depth Camera Manager (DCM) software prior to version 20210625. The flaw arises from improper access control mechanisms within the software, which allows an authenticated local user to potentially cause information disclosure. Specifically, the vulnerability requires that the attacker already have some level of authenticated access to the system where the Intel RealSense DCM is installed. Once authenticated locally, the attacker can exploit the insufficient access controls to access sensitive information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but poses a confidentiality risk. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H) but none on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches or mitigation links were provided in the source information. Intel RealSense DCM is a software component used to manage Intel RealSense cameras, which are commonly deployed in various applications including robotics, 3D scanning, and augmented reality. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access to extract sensitive data processed or stored by the RealSense DCM software, potentially including camera configuration, captured data, or other sensitive operational details. Since exploitation requires local authenticated access, remote exploitation is not feasible without prior compromise of the host system.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-33119 is primarily related to confidentiality breaches on systems using Intel RealSense cameras managed by the vulnerable DCM software. Organizations deploying RealSense technology in sensitive environments—such as research institutions, manufacturing facilities, healthcare providers, or security-focused enterprises—may risk unauthorized disclosure of sensitive camera data or configuration details. This could lead to exposure of proprietary information, intellectual property, or personal data captured by the cameras. Although the vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation, it increases risk if an attacker gains local access through other means, such as compromised credentials, insider threats, or physical access. The confidentiality impact could be significant in regulated industries subject to GDPR and other data protection laws, where unauthorized data disclosure can result in legal penalties and reputational damage. However, the medium severity and requirement for local authenticated access limit the overall risk to organizations with strong access controls and endpoint security.

European organizations should ensure that all Intel RealSense DCM software is updated to version 20210625 or later, where this vulnerability is addressed. In the absence of an official patch link, organizations should monitor Intel’s security advisories and apply updates promptly once available. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict local access controls and user privilege management to prevent unauthorized local authentication. Implementing endpoint security solutions that detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts can reduce risk. Physical security controls should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices running RealSense DCM. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. Regular auditing of user accounts and access logs on systems with RealSense devices can help detect suspicious activity. Finally, organizations should consider encrypting sensitive data handled by the cameras and the DCM software to mitigate potential data leakage.