CVE-2021-0069 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Improper input validation in firmware for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi in multiple operating systems and some Killer(TM) WiFi in Windows 10 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2021
This vulnerability resides in the firmware components of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi drivers and certain Killer WiFi adapters running on Windows 10 systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the wireless network management firmware, specifically when processing configuration parameters or network commands from local or adjacent network access points. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 which represents "Improper Input Validation" and represents a fundamental weakness in software design where insufficient validation of user-supplied data allows malicious inputs to disrupt normal system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker with adjacent network access to inject malformed or crafted input parameters into the wireless firmware processing pipeline. This occurs during the normal operation of wireless network configuration updates or driver initialization sequences where the firmware fails to properly validate the integrity and format of incoming data structures. When the firmware processes these malformed inputs without proper sanitization, it can lead to unexpected behavior including system crashes, service interruptions, or complete denial of wireless connectivity for affected devices.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0069 extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a significant security risk for enterprise environments where wireless infrastructure is critical for operations. Organizations utilizing Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi or Killer WiFi adapters face potential denial of service conditions that could compromise business continuity, especially in scenarios where wireless connectivity is essential for critical applications or emergency response systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any adjacent attacker with basic network access capabilities. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 which covers "Network Denial of Service" and represents a vector that can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Intel and the respective hardware vendors to address the input validation deficiencies in the wireless firmware components. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit adjacent access points and reduce the attack surface for exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for anomalous wireless configuration requests and implementing proper access controls for wireless network management interfaces can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of firmware security in endpoint devices and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-144 which emphasizes the need for secure firmware development and regular security updates to address vulnerabilities in embedded system components. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regularly scanning their wireless infrastructure for vulnerable devices to prevent exploitation of this and similar firmware-based vulnerabilities.