CVE-2009-1132 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Wireless LAN AutoConfig Service (aka Wlansvc) in Microsoft Windows Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2 and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed wireless frame, aka "Wireless Frame Parsing Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1132 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Wireless LAN AutoConfig Service component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw exists in Windows Vista versions including Gold, SP1, and SP2, as well as Server 2008 with Gold and SP2 releases. The affected service, commonly known as Wlansvc, is responsible for managing wireless network connections and automatically configuring wireless LAN settings on Windows systems. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation within the wireless frame parsing functionality, creating a condition where maliciously crafted wireless frames can trigger memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Wireless LAN AutoConfig Service processes malformed wireless frames received from wireless networks. The buffer overflow specifically targets heap memory structures used by the service to store and process wireless network configuration data. When an attacker crafts a specially designed wireless frame that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the overflow corrupts adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the compromised service. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring local access or authentication. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by broadcasting malicious wireless frames within range of vulnerable Windows devices, making it particularly dangerous in public wireless network environments. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects the core wireless networking functionality and can potentially disrupt network connectivity while simultaneously providing a backdoor for further attacks.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying Microsoft security patches released in response to this vulnerability, which address the buffer overflow through proper input validation and memory management. Network administrators should consider implementing wireless network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through wireless network protocols. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Windows versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, network traffic monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts by identifying malformed wireless frames that attempt to trigger this specific vulnerability.