CVE-2006-4022 in 2100 PRO Wireless Network Connection Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Intel 2100 PRO/Wireless Network Connection driver PROSet before 7.1.4.6 allows local users to corrupt memory and execute code via "requests for capabilities from higher-level protocol drivers or user-level applications" involving crafted frames, a different issue than CVE-2006-3992.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4022 affects the Intel 2100 PRO/Wireless Network Connection driver PROSet software version prior to 7.1.4.6. This represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of capability requests originating from higher-level protocol drivers or user-level applications, specifically when processing crafted network frames. The issue is distinct from CVE-2006-3992, indicating a separate code path for exploitation that targets the driver's memory management functions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the network driver stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious local users who have already gained access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests when the driver processes malformed or specially crafted network frames that contain capability requests from protocol drivers or applications. These frames trigger memory corruption conditions within the driver's processing routines, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory manipulation issues. The vulnerability exploits a lack of proper input validation and bounds checking in the driver's handling of network protocol capabilities, allowing attackers to manipulate memory locations that should remain protected. This memory corruption can result in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the driver process, typically running at kernel level. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted network stack components, making detection and prevention more challenging.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability provides local attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete system control. Since the exploitation occurs within the network driver context, successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoors or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of the Intel PROSet driver, which were commonly deployed in enterprise and consumer environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code without requiring network access, as the exploitation occurs locally within the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where attackers have already achieved initial compromise through other means. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential data exfiltration, system monitoring, and further lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4022 should prioritize immediate driver updates to version 7.1.4.6 or later, which contain patches addressing the memory corruption issues. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized local access attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privileged access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through kernel-mode components, specifically T1055 for process injection and T1068 for local privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous driver behavior or memory corruption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.