CVE-2021-0176 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-0176, which involves improper input validation in firmware for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11.

Understanding CVE-2021-0176

CVE-2021-0176 relates to a vulnerability in the firmware of certain Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi versions and some Killer(TM) Wi-Fi versions in Windows 10 and 11, allowing a privileged user to potentially execute a denial of service attack via local access.

What is CVE-2021-0176?

The CVE-2021-0176 vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the firmware of specific Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi versions. This security flaw could be exploited by a privileged user to trigger a denial of service attack through local access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0176

The impact of CVE-2021-0176 is significant as it enables a malicious actor with local access to potentially disrupt the availability of the affected Wi-Fi devices, leading to a denial of service condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0176

CVE ID: CVE-2021-0176

Affected Products: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and some Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11
Vulnerability Status: Affected
Description: Improper input validation in firmware may allow a privileged user to enable denial of service via local access.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation in the firmware of certain Wi-Fi devices, opening a door for a privileged user to execute a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted systems include some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi versions and certain Killer(TM) Wi-Fi versions running on Windows 10 and 11. The exact affected versions can be found in the provided references.

Exploitation Mechanism

A privileged user with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability to trigger a denial of service condition on the affected Wi-Fi devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Efficient mitigation and prevention are crucial to address CVE-2021-0176 and safeguard affected systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately apply patches or updates provided by Intel or the respective vendor to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure regular security updates and patches are applied to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from Intel and the vendor to stay informed about patches and updates that can help secure Wi-Fi devices against potential threats.