CVE-2006-3992 in 2915abg Proset Wireless
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Centrino (1) w22n50.sys, (2) w22n51.sys, (3) w29n50.sys, and (4) w29n51.sys Microsoft Windows drivers for Intel 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection before 10.5 with driver 9.0.4.16 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via certain frames that trigger memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3992 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Windows network drivers for Intel Centrino wireless adapters. This vulnerability specifically impacts the w22n50.sys, w22n51.sys, w29n50.sys, and w29n51.sys driver components that support Intel 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection hardware. The flaw exists in the driver implementation responsible for handling wireless network frames, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by attackers positioned within the wireless network range. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects wireless network drivers that are integral to the Windows operating system's network connectivity capabilities, making it a prime target for exploitation in wireless network attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of network frames within the wireless driver components, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be triggered by specially crafted wireless frames. When these malicious frames are received by the affected wireless adapter, the driver fails to properly validate or process the incoming data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the driver process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which represents "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption pattern where insufficient input validation allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and potentially gain control over the system's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader network security implications. Attackers who can position themselves within range of vulnerable wireless networks can exploit this vulnerability to compromise systems without requiring physical access or local network credentials. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless networks are extensively deployed and where wireless connectivity is often considered a legitimate access method. The vulnerability affects systems running Microsoft Windows with the specified Intel wireless drivers, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous enterprise and consumer devices that utilize these wireless networking components. This type of remote code execution vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.002 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as attackers could leverage the compromised system to establish persistence and further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3992 primarily focus on driver updates and network security measures. Microsoft released security updates that addressed the memory corruption issues within the affected wireless drivers, requiring users to install the latest driver versions to remediate the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include disabling wireless networking when not actively needed, implementing wireless intrusion detection systems, and ensuring regular security updates are deployed across all networked devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure driver development practices and proper input validation in system components that handle untrusted network data. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting wireless network drivers, as these vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for broader network compromises.