CVE-2021-0171 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Improper access control in software for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
This vulnerability resides within Intel's PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer Wi-Fi software implementations for Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of wireless network management utilities. The issue manifests as an improper access control mechanism that fails to adequately validate user permissions, creating a potential pathway for information disclosure through local access vectors. The vulnerability affects the software components responsible for managing wireless network configurations and security settings, which are typically installed as system-level applications with elevated privileges to perform network management functions. When exploited, this flaw allows an authenticated user who already has login credentials to bypass normal access controls and potentially access sensitive information that should be restricted to authorized administrators or system processes. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. This weakness is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level within the Windows ecosystem, where network management software traditionally requires elevated privileges to function correctly. The vulnerability does not require network-based exploitation, making it more accessible to local attackers who may have already gained user-level access to the system through other means such as social engineering, credential theft, or initial compromise vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive wireless network configuration data, security credentials, or other privileged information that could be leveraged for further compromise. Attackers could potentially extract wireless network keys, SSID configurations, or other network management data that would normally be protected from unauthorized access. The local access requirement means that exploitation typically requires an attacker to already have a foothold on the system, but once achieved, the vulnerability provides a mechanism for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network environment. This flaw particularly impacts enterprise environments where Intel PROSet/Wireless and Killer Wi-Fi software are widely deployed, as these applications often serve as central points for wireless network management and configuration. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows 10 and 11 operating systems indicates a widespread impact across the Windows platform, affecting organizations that may have mixed operating system deployments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as it allows an authenticated user to gain access to information that should be restricted. The attack surface is particularly broad given that these wireless management applications are commonly installed on laptops, desktops, and mobile devices across enterprise networks, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers seeking to exploit this weakness.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates from Intel to address the access control implementation flaws, while also implementing additional security controls to limit the attack surface. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected Intel wireless management software, as these applications may be installed as part of broader software packages or drivers. System administrators should implement least privilege principles for wireless network management applications, ensuring that only authorized users have access to these tools and their associated configuration data. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to wireless configuration data, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary wireless management features when they are not actively required, reducing the potential attack surface. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments for third-party network management software, as these applications often operate with elevated privileges and can represent significant security risks when not properly secured. Security teams should implement continuous monitoring of software update processes to ensure that patches are deployed promptly and that the updated software maintains proper access control mechanisms. The incident highlights the need for better security testing during software development, particularly for applications that handle sensitive network configuration data and operate with elevated system privileges.