CVE-2021-0174 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Improper Use of Validation Framework in firmware for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi in multiple operating systems and some Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11 may allow a unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
This vulnerability resides in the firmware implementation of Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi drivers and certain Killer Wi-Fi implementations running on Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. The flaw manifests in the improper utilization of validation frameworks within the wireless networking stack, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through adjacent network access. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and validation mechanisms that govern wireless network connections and configuration updates, potentially allowing an unauthenticated attacker within the physical vicinity of the target device to disrupt normal network operations.
The technical root cause stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate security controls within the wireless driver firmware components. When the system processes wireless configuration data or connection requests, the validation framework fails to properly sanitize or verify incoming parameters, creating opportunities for malformed or malicious inputs to bypass normal security checks. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental security flaw that can lead to various downstream vulnerabilities including denial of service conditions. The validation framework's failure to properly enforce security boundaries allows attackers to craft specific network packets or configuration commands that can trigger unexpected behavior in the wireless subsystem.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise and consumer environments where wireless networks are prevalent. The adjacent access requirement means that attackers need physical proximity to the target device, typically within wireless range, but this limitation does not mitigate the potential impact. The denial of service condition can manifest as complete wireless connectivity disruption, intermittent network failures, or forced reconnection cycles that degrade user experience and potentially impact business operations. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems and hardware implementations, amplifying its potential impact across different deployment scenarios and increasing the attack surface for malicious actors.
The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption as this flaw could potentially serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. While the primary impact is denial of service, the improper validation framework could theoretically allow for privilege escalation or information disclosure if additional vulnerabilities exist within the same codebase. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader network security strategies and implement layered defenses. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service techniques, where attackers leverage implementation flaws in system components to gain unauthorized access or disrupt operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Intel and Killer, as well as network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent access opportunities. Network administrators should implement robust monitoring for unusual wireless connection patterns and configure wireless networks with strong authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security and the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded systems and driver components. Organizations should also consider deploying network access control solutions and ensuring that wireless devices are properly configured with secure settings to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure and proactive patch management remain essential defensive measures against this and similar firmware-based threats.