WiFi Device Driver Issues

Published: 2006-08-02
Last Updated: 2006-08-03 23:22:47 UTC
by Johannes Ullrich (Version: 1)
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Last weeks Intel Centrino issues where just the beginning. Today, Jon Ellch and David Maynor presented more wireless device driver issues at Blackhat. As a demo, they compromised a MacBook using one of the wireless device driver issues they discovered.

The highlights:
  • This is less of an OS problem, but a firmware/driver issue. While the demo was done on a Mac, it would have worked on other OS's as well.
  • Various wireless cards have problems, not just the once demoed at Blackhat.
  • You do not have to be associated with a wireless network in order to be exposed.
  • A firewall will not protect you.
What can you do:
  • Turn off the wireless card (and bluetooth while you are at it).
  • Watch for patches.
  • To prepare for any patches, learn what type of wireless card you have.
More details:

Washington Post "Securityfix" blog (Brian Krebs)
the video

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