CVE-2021-23168 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2022
Out of bounds read for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer(TM) WiFi products may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-23168 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw affecting Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi product lines. This security weakness manifests in the wireless network driver components that manage wireless connectivity for various computing devices. The flaw stems from improper input validation within the wireless driver software, specifically when processing certain network packets or configuration data. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can cause the wireless driver to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to system instability or complete service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the scope of CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read conditions that occur when a program attempts to access memory beyond the allocated buffer limits. This particular flaw is classified as a denial of service vulnerability because it can be triggered without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless access is readily available. The vulnerability specifically requires adjacent network access, meaning an attacker must be physically present within the wireless network range to exploit the flaw, typically within a few hundred feet depending on network configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments and consumer devices alike. The out-of-bounds read condition can cause the wireless driver to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in complete loss of wireless connectivity for affected devices. This disruption can be particularly problematic for mobile devices, laptops, and IoT systems that rely heavily on wireless connectivity for normal operations. In enterprise settings, this could lead to productivity losses, network interruptions, and potential security implications if the DoS condition prevents access to critical systems or security monitoring tools.
The exploitation of CVE-2021-23168 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to denial of service attacks and network service disruption. While the vulnerability does not directly enable privilege escalation or data exfiltration, it can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks by creating conditions that allow for further exploitation or by disrupting security monitoring capabilities. The adjacent access requirement means that this vulnerability is typically exploited in targeted attacks rather than large-scale automated campaigns, but it remains a significant concern for organizations with inadequate network segmentation or monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate installation of available driver updates from Intel, which typically address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory boundary checks. Network administrators should also implement robust monitoring solutions to detect unusual wireless connectivity disruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation policies that limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities and ensure that wireless access points are properly configured with appropriate security measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date driver software and implementing comprehensive security monitoring across all networked devices, particularly those running Intel wireless networking components.