CVE-2021-0165 : What You Need to Know

Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11 are affected by an improper input validation vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated user to cause a denial of service. This CVE, identified as CVE-2021-0165, poses a significant risk to affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2021-0165

This section provides an in-depth look into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-0165?

The CVE-2021-0165 vulnerability is a result of improper input validation in firmware for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi in multiple operating systems and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11. It potentially enables an unauthenticated user to cause denial of service through adjacent access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0165

The impact of CVE-2021-0165 is significant as it allows threat actors to exploit the vulnerability and disrupt the normal functioning of affected Wi-Fi modules, leading to denial of service incidents.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0165

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper input validation in the firmware of Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi. This oversight could be leveraged by malicious actors to trigger denial of service attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi in multiple operating systems and Killer(TM) Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11. The specific versions impacted are indicated in the available references.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated user could exploit the vulnerability in the Wi-Fi firmware of affected systems to potentially cause denial of service by gaining adjacent access.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the CVE-2021-0165 vulnerability, it is crucial for users and organizations to take immediate action to mitigate risks and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-0165, users should apply security patches and updates provided by the vendor, Intel(R). Additionally, network segmentation and access control mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a proactive approach to security, including regular firmware updates, monitoring for unusual network activity, and conducting security audits, can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to stay informed about security advisories from Intel(R) related to CVE-2021-0165 and promptly apply patches and updates to remediate the vulnerability.