CVE-2022-21172 is a vulnerability identified in certain Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi products, characterized as an out-of-bounds write condition. This vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory boundaries within the affected wireless driver software, specifically leading to a write operation outside the allocated buffer. Such a flaw can be exploited by a user with existing privileged access on the local system to escalate their privileges further. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local access with high privileges (PR:H). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.7, indicating a medium severity level, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which is a common and dangerous class of memory corruption issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the potential for privilege escalation means that attackers who gain limited privileged access could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi drivers, which are widely used in laptops and desktops to manage wireless network connectivity. Since the flaw requires local privileged access, remote exploitation is not feasible, but insider threats or malware running with limited privileges could exploit this to elevate privileges and compromise system security.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi drivers are deployed on endpoints such as employee laptops, desktops, and potentially some IoT devices. The ability to escalate privileges locally can allow attackers or malicious insiders to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Confidentiality is at risk because an attacker with escalated privileges can access protected information. Integrity and availability are also threatened as attackers could modify system files or disrupt wireless connectivity. Given the widespread use of Intel wireless products in enterprise and government sectors across Europe, this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks after initial compromise. Organizations with strict data protection requirements under GDPR could face compliance issues if this vulnerability leads to data breaches. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on secure wireless communications, could experience operational disruptions or targeted attacks leveraging this flaw.

To mitigate CVE-2022-21172, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Apply vendor-provided patches or updates for Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi drivers as soon as they become available, ensuring all affected systems are updated promptly. 2) Implement strict access controls to limit local privileged access only to trusted users and processes, reducing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel or malware. 3) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activities indicative of privilege escalation attempts, such as unusual driver behavior or memory corruption indicators. 4) Conduct regular audits of installed wireless drivers and firmware versions across the enterprise to identify and remediate outdated or vulnerable components. 5) Use application whitelisting and privilege management tools to restrict execution of unauthorized code and limit the scope of privilege escalation. 6) Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce policies that minimize the installation of untrusted software. 7) In high-security environments, consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the impact of a compromised endpoint. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.