CVE-2023-28714
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a privileged user on a Windows system with affected Intel WiFi software to escalate their privileges locally. It affects systems running Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software before version 22.220 HF. The improper access control in firmware could enable attackers to gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with initial privileged access could achieve full system compromise, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious insiders or compromised privileged accounts could escalate to SYSTEM-level privileges to maintain persistence or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper patch management and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to systems where attackers already have privileged access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local privileged access and knowledge of the vulnerability. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 22.220 HF (Hot Fix) or later
Vendor Advisory: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00872.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the updated Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software version 22.220 HF or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow the installation wizard. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi > Uninstall
Use Windows built-in WiFi drivers
windowsReplace Intel software with Microsoft's built-in WiFi drivers
Device Manager > Network adapters > Right-click Intel WiFi adapter > Update driver > Browse my computer > Let me pick > Select Microsoft driver
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles to limit who has local administrative access
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts using endpoint detection tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software version in Control Panel > Programs or via 'wmic product get name,version' commandCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like '%Intel%PROSet%Wireless%WiFi%'" get name,versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 22.220 HF or later and check that no privilege escalation attempts are detected📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in Windows Security logs
- Suspicious process creation with SYSTEM privileges from non-system accounts
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName LIKE '%system32%' AND SubjectUserName NOT IN ('SYSTEM', 'LOCAL SERVICE', 'NETWORK SERVICE')