CVE-2023-28720 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
Improper initialization for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless and Intel(R) Killer(TM) Wi-Fi software before version 22.240 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access..
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28720 represents a critical flaw in the network management software ecosystem developed by Intel Corporation. This issue affects Intel PROSet/Wireless and Intel Killer Wi-Fi software versions prior to 22.240, exposing systems to potential denial of service attacks through adjacent network access. The vulnerability stems from improper initialization processes within the wireless network management components, creating a security gap that malicious actors can exploit to disrupt network connectivity for affected devices.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate initialization of network management services and their associated system components. When the Intel PROSet/Wireless and Intel Killer Wi-Fi software initializes, certain critical parameters and system resources fail to be properly configured or validated. This improper initialization creates predictable states or weak points in the software's operational framework that can be leveraged by attackers. The flaw specifically manifests when the software processes network configuration changes or handles incoming network connections, as the initialization routines do not adequately secure or validate the system state before proceeding with network operations. This weakness allows an unauthenticated attacker who has adjacent network access to craft specific network packets or commands that trigger the flawed initialization sequence, leading to service disruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Intel wireless networking solutions. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users may experience complete loss of wireless connectivity, potentially affecting productivity, business operations, and network availability. The requirement for adjacent access limits the attack surface compared to remote exploits but does not eliminate the threat, as adjacent network access is often more easily obtained than remote access in many enterprise environments. Network administrators may find their wireless infrastructure suddenly becomes unavailable, requiring manual intervention to restore services and potentially impacting critical operations that depend on wireless connectivity. The vulnerability affects both enterprise and consumer deployments, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Intel wireless networking solutions.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating the affected Intel PROSet/Wireless and Intel Killer Wi-Fi software to version 22.240 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the improper initialization issue. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent network access where possible, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or attempted exploitation of this vulnerability can help detect malicious activity. Additionally, organizations should review their wireless network management policies and ensure that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized modifications to wireless network configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-665 Improper Initialization, which specifically addresses improper initialization of resources or data structures that can lead to security vulnerabilities. This issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.002 Network Denial of Service, as it enables attackers to disrupt network availability through targeted exploitation of network management components. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly, as the window for exploitation remains open until remediation is complete.