CVE-2024-28049 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Improper input validation in firmware for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software and Intel(R) Killer(TM) Wi-Fi wireless products before version 23.40 may allow an unauthenticated user to enable denial of service via adjacent access.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2025
This vulnerability affects Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and Intel Killer Wi-Fi wireless products with firmware versions prior to 23.40, representing a critical weakness in input validation mechanisms that could be exploited by adjacent attackers to disrupt network services. The flaw resides in the firmware implementation where insufficient validation of user inputs allows malicious actors with physical or network proximity to craft specially formatted inputs that can trigger unauthorized denial of service conditions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness, and demonstrates how inadequate sanitization of input data can lead to service disruption. The attack vector requires adjacent access, meaning an attacker must be within the physical or network proximity of the affected device to exploit this weakness, typically within the range of wireless communication or on the same local network segment. From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents significant risk as it enables denial of service without requiring authentication, potentially affecting network connectivity for legitimate users while maintaining the device's operational state. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can affect enterprise wireless infrastructure, potentially disrupting business operations, and may be particularly concerning in environments where wireless connectivity is critical for operations. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as part of broader wireless security assessments, particularly in environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where unauthorized access to wireless networks is possible.
The technical nature of this flaw suggests that the firmware components responsible for processing wireless configuration parameters or network management commands do not properly validate the format, length, or content of inputs received from wireless clients or management interfaces. This validation failure creates opportunities for malformed inputs to be processed by the wireless driver or firmware, potentially causing memory corruption, resource exhaustion, or unexpected behavior that results in service disruption. Attackers could leverage this weakness by sending crafted wireless management frames or configuration commands that exploit the insufficient input validation, leading to device instability or complete service unavailability. The vulnerability's classification as adjacent access means that network segmentation and physical security measures become critical controls in mitigating exploitation risk, as attackers need to be in proximity to the target device to attempt exploitation. Organizations implementing wireless infrastructure should prioritize firmware updates to address this vulnerability, particularly in environments where wireless devices are deployed in public or semi-public spaces where unauthorized access might be possible. The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses all wireless devices that utilize affected Intel wireless drivers and firmware components, making it particularly relevant for enterprise wireless networks, public Wi-Fi deployments, and any environment where wireless connectivity is essential for business operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to version 23.40 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation weakness. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including wireless network segmentation, proper access controls for wireless management interfaces, and monitoring for unusual wireless activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network access control measures and proper physical security around wireless access points can help reduce the attack surface for adjacent access exploits. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious wireless management frame activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected wireless devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. The remediation process should include not only firmware updates but also verification that the updates have been properly installed and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the wireless infrastructure. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust wireless security practices to prevent unauthorized access to wireless network management functions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in wireless infrastructure components that might present similar risks to network availability and service integrity. The incident underscores the need for continuous monitoring and proactive security measures in wireless network environments where physical access controls may be insufficient to prevent exploitation of firmware-level vulnerabilities.