CVE-2006-5972 in Wg111v2 Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in WG111v2.SYS in NetGear WG111v2 wireless adapter (USB) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long 802.11 beacon request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The CVE-2006-5972 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in the WG111v2.SYS kernel driver component of NetGear's WG111v2 wireless USB adapter. This vulnerability exists within the wireless networking stack of the device's driver software, specifically when processing 802.11 beacon request frames. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the driver's handling of wireless network management frames, creating a condition where maliciously crafted beacon requests can overflow the allocated stack buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution, meaning an attacker does not need physical access to the device to exploit this flaw, as wireless network management frames can be transmitted over the air.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious 802.11 beacon request frame containing excessive data that exceeds the buffer size allocated within the WG111v2.SYS driver. When the driver processes this malformed frame, the stack buffer overflow enables the attacker to overwrite return addresses and potentially inject malicious code into the kernel space. This type of attack aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.003, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, specifically targeting kernel-level code execution through driver vulnerabilities. The attack vector operates entirely over the wireless medium, making it particularly dangerous for wireless network infrastructure and endpoint security. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack because wireless management frames are transmitted over the air and processed by the wireless adapter without requiring local physical access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5972 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire wireless networks and connected systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain kernel-level privileges on systems running the affected driver, which provides complete control over the affected device and potentially enables lateral movement within a network. The attack can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and network disruption. Organizations using NetGear WG111v2 wireless adapters in enterprise environments face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited in various scenarios including public wireless networks, corporate wireless infrastructure, and even personal devices. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on the affected driver for wireless connectivity, making it a widespread concern for wireless network administrators and security professionals who must consider both the immediate exploitation potential and the long-term security implications of such kernel-level flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5972 require immediate action from affected organizations, including the implementation of firmware and driver updates from NetGear to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should disable wireless adapters when not in use and implement network monitoring to detect unusual beacon request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel drivers and proper memory management practices. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious wireless management frame patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices and drivers, as similar stack-based buffer overflow conditions may exist in other wireless network components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated drivers to ensure compatibility and prevent service disruption while addressing the underlying security flaw that enables remote code execution.