CVE-2006-2316 in Proset Wireless
Summary
by MITRE
S24EvMon.exe in the Intel PROset/Wireless software, possibly 10.1.0.33, uses a S24EventManagerSharedMemory shared memory section with weak permissions, which allows local users to read or modify passwords or other data, or cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2316 affects the Intel PROset/Wireless software suite, specifically targeting the S24EvMon.exe component. This issue represents a classic shared memory permission flaw that has significant implications for system security and data integrity. The vulnerability stems from the improper configuration of the S24EventManagerSharedMemory section, which is utilized by the wireless network management software to handle event notifications and system monitoring functions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the weak permissions assigned to the shared memory section within the S24EvMon.exe process. When the Intel PROset/Wireless software initializes, it creates a shared memory object named S24EventManagerSharedMemory that is intended to facilitate communication between different components of the wireless management system. However, the software fails to properly restrict access permissions for this shared memory segment, allowing any local user process to access or manipulate the memory contents without proper authorization. This design flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious local users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential data modification and system availability concerns. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information such as wireless network passwords, authentication credentials, and other confidential data stored within the shared memory section. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to modify critical system parameters or inject malicious data into the wireless management system, potentially leading to unauthorized network access or complete system compromise. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers could destabilize the wireless network management functionality, causing legitimate users to lose network connectivity or forcing the system to restart.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems. The weakness specifically manifests as a failure to properly implement access controls for inter-process communication mechanisms, creating a scenario where unprivileged local users can gain elevated access to sensitive system resources. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system privileges to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The local privilege escalation potential makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it allows attackers to bypass traditional network-based security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2316 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by Intel. System administrators should ensure that all instances of the Intel PROset/Wireless software are updated to versions that properly configure shared memory permissions. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access control lists for shared memory sections, conducting regular security audits of system processes, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive system logging for forensic analysis. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper inter-process communication security and the need for thorough security testing of system management components.