CVE-2022-28667 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2022
Out-of-bounds write for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi software before version 22.140 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28667 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software versions prior to 22.140. This issue manifests within the wireless network management software that facilitates connectivity for Intel wireless adapters across various computing platforms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the software's handling of network configuration data and wireless profile management functions, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors with adjacent network access. The flaw resides in the software's memory management routines where insufficient bounds checking allows arbitrary data to be written beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to system instability and service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where programs write data past the end of allocated buffer space. The flaw occurs during the processing of wireless network profiles and configuration parameters, where the software fails to validate the length and boundaries of incoming data structures. Attackers with adjacent network access can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious wireless profile data or network configuration parameters that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. This allows them to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executable code segments. The vulnerability does not require authentication for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments where wireless network management software operates in proximity to untrusted networks or devices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for enterprise environments where Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software is deployed across multiple endpoints. The denial of service impact can render wireless connectivity unavailable on affected systems, disrupting network operations and potentially affecting business continuity. The adjacent access requirement means that attackers must be physically or logically near the target systems, which could include corporate offices, public spaces, or any environment where wireless networks are accessible. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning and exploitation of adjacent network resources. The vulnerability can be particularly problematic in environments with high wireless network density or where multiple wireless profiles are managed automatically, as these conditions increase the likelihood of triggering the out-of-bounds write condition.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to version 22.140 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the memory boundary checking issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent access to wireless network management systems, particularly in high-risk environments. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual wireless profile management activities or configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint protection measures that can detect and prevent malicious wireless profile installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper access controls for wireless network management interfaces, as these measures can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.