CVE-2024-39356 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2025
NULL pointer dereference in some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killerâ„¢ WiFi software for Windows before version 23.80 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw affecting Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software installations on Windows systems. The issue manifests when the software processes certain network-related operations that involve uninitialized or improperly validated pointer references, leading to unexpected application termination and system instability. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 23.80 of the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software suites, creating a persistent security gap that affects numerous enterprise and consumer endpoints.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through adjacent network access, meaning an attacker must be physically present on the same network segment as the target system. This limitation reduces the attack surface compared to remote exploits but still presents significant operational risk in shared or corporate environments where network proximity can be easily achieved. The null pointer dereference condition typically occurs during routine network configuration updates, driver installations, or when processing incoming network packets that trigger the vulnerable code path within the wireless management software. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables an unauthenticated attacker to induce a denial of service condition that can disrupt wireless connectivity for affected systems. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the application crash may occur during critical network operations, potentially leading to complete wireless network disconnection and requiring manual intervention to restore functionality. In enterprise environments, this could result in widespread disruption of wireless communications across multiple devices, particularly affecting mobile workers and remote users who depend on stable wireless connectivity. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed wireless management software amplifies its operational impact significantly.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network disruption attacks through service availability compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to version 23.80 or later, network segmentation to limit adjacent access privileges, and monitoring for suspicious network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider temporary disabling of wireless management services in high-security environments until proper patches are deployed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware and software versions in wireless networking infrastructure, as outdated management software represents a common attack vector for adversaries seeking to disrupt network operations and establish persistent access points within corporate environments.