CVE-2022-21139 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting certain Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi products. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent access due to inadequate encryption strength. With a CVSS score of 8.8, it is essential for organizations to understand the implications of this vulnerability and prioritize remediation.
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and control over the affected systems. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability in environments where these Intel products are deployed, leading to potential data breaches or system compromises. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof of concepts available for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation exists, particularly in environments where adjacent access is feasible. Organizations using the affected products must take this vulnerability seriously and implement necessary mitigations.
Intel has acknowledged this vulnerability and recommends that users apply the necessary patches to secure their systems. The urgency for defenders cannot be understated, as the implications of exploitation can be severe.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that inadequate encryption strength for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi products may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-326, which pertains to inadequate encryption strength.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating high severity. This score reflects the potential impact of successful exploitation, which includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Affected products include various firmware versions of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi devices, specifically wireless-ac 9260, 9461, 9462, 9560, and others. Intel has modified the status of this vulnerability, and users are encouraged to refer to vendor documentation for patch details.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-21139 is tied to the inadequate encryption strength of the affected Intel WiFi products. This weakness arises from the use of insufficiently secure cryptographic practices, allowing attackers with adjacent access to exploit the vulnerability.
The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, meaning that an attacker must be within close proximity to the target device. The attack complexity is rated as low, indicating that exploitation could be achieved with minimal effort. Notably, no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary.
If successfully exploited, the impacts are significant: confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high. This underscores the potential fallout of an exploit, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using the affected Intel WiFi products face substantial risks due to the potential for privilege escalation. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access, leading to data breaches and operational disruptions. The potential blast radius includes any organization utilizing these products, particularly in environments where adjacent access is feasible.
The urgency for remediation is classified as high, given the CVSS score of 8.8. Organizations should integrate this vulnerability into their patch management processes and prioritize updates to the affected Intel products.
Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to significant security incidents, making it imperative for security teams to act swiftly.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi firmware versions prior to 22.120 for the following products:
wireless-ac_9560, wireless-ac_9461, wireless-ac_9462, wireless-ac_9260, proset_wi-fi_6e_ax210, wi-fi_6_ax200, wi-fi_6_ax201, wi-fi_6e_ax211, and wi-fi_6e_ax411. Users are advised to upgrade to the latest versions to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Intel has released patches for this vulnerability. Organizations should apply the patches immediately to secure their systems. For those unable to patch, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the affected devices and monitor for unusual activities.
For further details on patching, refer to Intel's advisory on this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider conducting a thorough security assessment, which can include application security assessment to identify any other weaknesses that may be present.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts and unusual traffic patterns. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected device behavior or configuration changes, should also be flagged for review.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-21139 highlights the ongoing need for robust encryption practices in wireless communications. As organizations adopt new technologies, they must remain vigilant against potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder for security teams to continuously assess their environments and implement necessary controls. For more insights into vulnerability management, consider reviewing our guide on vulnerability management programs to enhance overall security posture.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and trends in cybersecurity through continuous education and training. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can also help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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