CVE-2024-39356: Intel WiFi Software DOS Vulnerability

CVE-2024-39356 Overview

CVE-2024-39356 is a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability [CWE-476] affecting Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software for Windows before version 23.80. An unauthenticated attacker within wireless range can trigger the flaw to cause a denial of service on the affected host. Exploitation requires adjacent network access rather than authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability was assigned by Intel and documented in Intel Security Advisory SA-01224.

Critical Impact
An adjacent unauthenticated attacker can crash affected wireless drivers, disrupting connectivity on endpoints running vulnerable versions of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi or Killer WiFi software.

Affected Products

Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software for Windows before version 23.80
Killer WiFi software for Windows before version 23.80
Windows endpoints running vulnerable Intel wireless drivers

Discovery Timeline

2025-02-12 - CVE-2024-39356 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-39356

Vulnerability Analysis

The flaw is a NULL pointer dereference [CWE-476] in the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software stack for Windows. When the vulnerable driver processes certain wireless frames or control data, it dereferences a pointer without verifying that it references valid memory. The dereference triggers a kernel-mode fault that halts the driver and, depending on context, the host operating system.

Because the affected code path executes within a Windows wireless driver, a successful trigger typically results in a bugcheck or loss of wireless connectivity. The impact is limited to availability. The advisory records no confidentiality or integrity impact, and no code execution primitive is documented.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing validation of a pointer before it is dereferenced inside the wireless driver's frame or message handling logic. Attacker-controlled input over the air can steer execution into the unchecked path, producing the fault.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must be within wireless radio range of the target. No credentials, no prior association, and no user interaction are required. An attacker transmits crafted wireless frames that reach the vulnerable driver on nearby devices, causing the driver to fault.

No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently listed for CVE-2024-39356, and the vulnerability is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the Intel Security Advisory SA-01224 for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39356

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected Windows bugchecks or blue screens referencing Intel wireless drivers such as Netwtw*.sys or Killer WiFi driver binaries
Repeated wireless adapter resets, disconnects, or driver restart events near a common radio location
Windows Event Log entries for driver crashes tied to the wireless NIC around the time of connectivity loss

Detection Strategies

Inventory endpoints and query installed Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi driver versions to identify hosts below 23.80.
Correlate driver crash telemetry with wireless environment data such as SSID scans and nearby BSSIDs to spot patterns consistent with adjacent attackers.
Alert on clusters of wireless driver faults across multiple endpoints in the same physical location within a short time window.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Windows System and Application event logs, including WHEA and driver fault events, to a centralized log platform for retention and search.
Track wireless connectivity health metrics per endpoint to surface repeated adapter failures that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Include wireless driver versions in vulnerability management reporting so drift below the patched baseline is visible.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39356

Immediate Actions Required

Update Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software on Windows to version 23.80 or later.
Identify all endpoints running affected driver versions and prioritize patching for laptops and mobile users operating in untrusted wireless environments.
Review the Intel Security Advisory SA-01224 for vendor-supplied packages and version guidance.

Patch Information

Intel resolved CVE-2024-39356 in Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi and Killer WiFi software version 23.80 for Windows. Deploy the updated drivers through standard endpoint management tooling. Verify installed versions after deployment to confirm the patched build is active.

Workarounds

Disable the wireless adapter on affected systems that must operate in high-risk environments until the driver update is applied.
Restrict use of vulnerable endpoints to trusted wireless networks and physical locations where adjacent attacker access is limited.
Use wired connectivity where feasible on unpatched hosts to remove the adjacent wireless attack surface.

bash

# Query installed Intel wireless driver version on Windows
pnputil /enum-drivers | findstr /i "Netwtw Killer Intel"

# Confirm driver version after update (PowerShell)
Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object { $_.InterfaceDescription -match "Intel|Killer" } |
    Select-Object Name, InterfaceDescription, DriverVersion