CVE-2020-0558 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE
Improper buffer restrictions in kernel mode driver for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi products before version 21.70 on Windows 10 may allow an unprivileged user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0558 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the kernel mode driver component of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software suite. This issue affects versions prior to 21.70 and specifically targets Windows 10 operating systems where the affected driver operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size enforcement mechanisms within the kernel-level code responsible for managing wireless network connectivity. The flaw exists in the driver's handling of user-supplied data structures that are processed in kernel space, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions without proper boundary checking.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through adjacent network access, meaning an attacker must be physically present on the same network segment or have access to the target system's local network interface. This restriction limits the attack vector but does not eliminate the threat as local privilege escalation remains possible once an attacker gains access to the local network. The kernel mode driver executes with system-level privileges, making any buffer overflow condition particularly dangerous as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability manifests when the driver processes malformed input data through its kernel routines, specifically in functions that handle wireless network configuration parameters or communication protocols.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for enterprise environments where wireless network management is critical. The potential for denial of service attacks means that adversaries could disrupt network connectivity for legitimate users, potentially causing business disruption or service unavailability. While the vulnerability does not directly enable remote code execution, the privilege escalation potential within kernel space means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full system control. The affected driver components typically run continuously in the background, making the system vulnerable to persistent attacks. Organizations using Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi drivers in mission-critical applications face particular risk as the denial of service could compromise network availability and security posture.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-0558 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The recommended solution involves updating to Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi version 21.70 or later, which includes patched kernel mode drivers with proper buffer validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent access privileges, reducing the attack surface for local exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary wireless interfaces when not in use, implementing strict network access controls, and monitoring for unusual driver behavior or system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in kernel-mode drivers. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability could be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain elevated system privileges through kernel-level exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other kernel-mode components.