CVE-2021-0066 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Improper input validation in firmware for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi in multiple operating systems and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
This vulnerability resides in the firmware components of Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi software and Killer Wi-Fi drivers specifically affecting Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the firmware layer that controls wireless network functionality. When users install these wireless drivers and associated firmware components, the system fails to properly validate incoming data inputs during the wireless configuration and management processes. This weakness creates a potential attack vector where malicious actors could exploit the insufficient validation checks to manipulate the firmware behavior.
The technical flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that requires local system access but does not necessitate authentication credentials. Attackers with physical access to a target system or those who have already compromised a user account could leverage this vulnerability to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. This occurs because the firmware components lack proper sanitization of user-supplied parameters during configuration operations, allowing crafted inputs to bypass security checks and execute unintended code sequences. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how firmware-level weaknesses can create persistent security risks that extend beyond traditional software boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to potentially gain full control over affected systems. Once escalated to administrative privileges, threat actors could install malicious software, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including laptops, desktops, and mobile workstations that utilize Intel or Killer wireless networking hardware, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be simultaneously vulnerable. The local access requirement means that physical proximity to the target device or existing foothold through other attack vectors becomes sufficient for exploitation, reducing the overall attack surface complexity.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Intel and Killer network adapter manufacturers to address the input validation flaws. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual privilege escalation events within their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of firmware security and the need for comprehensive security testing across all system layers including hardware components. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with privilege escalation attempts. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and represents a critical weakness that could enable attackers to move laterally within networks and access sensitive enterprise resources. Regular security assessments of firmware components and maintaining updated driver versions remain essential defensive measures against such persistent threats.