CVE-2021-0078 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Improper input validation in software for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer(TM) WiFi in Windows 10 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service or information disclosure via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2021
This vulnerability affects Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software components running on Windows 10 systems, representing a critical weakness in input validation mechanisms that could be exploited by adjacent attackers. The flaw resides in the software's failure to properly validate user inputs, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted inputs. This issue specifically impacts wireless network management software that provides configuration and control interfaces for Intel wireless adapters, making it a significant concern for enterprise and consumer environments where wireless connectivity is essential.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of input parameters within the wireless driver management software, which operates at a privileged level within the Windows operating system. When the software processes user-supplied data through its configuration interfaces or network management functions, it fails to properly validate the integrity and format of this input before processing. This improper validation creates opportunities for attackers to inject malformed data that could cause the software to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to system crashes, memory corruption, or unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi or Killer WiFi software is installed, typically those with Intel wireless network adapters.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling information disclosure attacks that could compromise sensitive network configuration data or system credentials. An attacker with adjacent network access could exploit this weakness to either disrupt wireless connectivity services for legitimate users or potentially extract confidential information from the wireless management software's memory structures. The attack vector requires physical proximity to the target system or network access within the same broadcast domain, making it a medium-risk vulnerability that could be leveraged in targeted attacks against specific network segments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where wireless network management is centralized and where attackers might gain access through compromised adjacent network devices.
The security implications of CVE-2021-0078 align with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software design that can lead to various security consequences including buffer overflows, injection attacks, and privilege escalation. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through malformed inputs. Additionally, the denial of service aspect of this vulnerability relates to ATT&CK technique T1499, which covers network disruption through resource exhaustion or service unavailability. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where wireless network management is critical for business operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates from Intel, which typically include patched versions of the PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi management software that implement proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected systems, particularly those in high-value network segments or environments where adjacent access might be possible. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual wireless network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that limit adjacent network access to only authorized personnel and devices, reducing the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in other network management software components.