CVE-2021-26254 is a security vulnerability identified in certain Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi products. The flaw is classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125), which occurs when a program reads data outside the boundaries of allocated memory. This vulnerability specifically affects the wireless driver software components used in these Intel and Killer WiFi adapters. The issue allows a privileged user—meaning someone with local access and some level of system privileges—to potentially trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition. The DoS arises because the out-of-bounds read can cause the affected driver or system component to crash or become unstable, leading to loss of wireless connectivity or system instability. The vulnerability requires local access and privileges, and no user interaction is needed beyond that. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), the attack complexity is low (AC:L), privileges required are low (PR:L), no user interaction is needed (UI:N), and the impact is limited to availability (A:H) with no confidentiality or integrity impact. There are no known exploits in the wild reported, and no official patches or mitigation links were provided in the source information. This vulnerability is primarily a stability and availability concern rather than a data breach or privilege escalation risk. It is relevant for systems using the affected Intel PROSet/Wireless and Killer WiFi drivers, which are commonly found in laptops and desktops with Intel wireless chipsets.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-26254 primarily involves potential disruption of wireless network connectivity on affected devices. This can lead to temporary loss of network access, impacting productivity, especially in environments relying heavily on WiFi for daily operations such as offices, educational institutions, and public service providers. While the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow privilege escalation, the denial of service could interrupt critical communications or remote work capabilities. In sectors like finance, healthcare, or government where network availability is crucial, even short outages can have operational and reputational consequences. Additionally, organizations with large fleets of laptops or desktops using Intel PROSet/Wireless or Killer WiFi products may face increased support costs and user downtime. However, since exploitation requires local privileged access, the risk of remote attacks is minimal, reducing the likelihood of widespread disruption from external attackers. The absence of known exploits in the wild further lowers immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for remediation.

To mitigate CVE-2021-26254, European organizations should first identify all systems using the affected Intel PROSet/Wireless and Killer WiFi drivers. This can be done through asset management and inventory tools that track installed hardware and driver versions. Once identified, organizations should monitor Intel’s official security advisories and driver update channels for patches addressing this vulnerability. Until patches are available, limiting local administrative privileges to trusted personnel reduces the risk of exploitation. Implementing strict access controls and endpoint protection can help prevent unauthorized local access. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect abnormal driver crashes or system instability that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regularly updating operating systems and drivers to the latest versions is essential to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities. For critical environments, temporarily disabling or restricting the use of affected wireless adapters, or switching to wired connections, may be considered as a short-term workaround. Finally, user education about the risks of granting local privileges and the importance of reporting system instability can aid in early detection and response.