Laptops New Centrino Drivers Cause Massive Memory Leaks

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dipdude

Forerunner
Intel recently released updated drivers for the 2200BG, 2915ABG and 3945ABG series wireless adapters that address the security flaw. While the drivers address the security flaw it presents a new problem. This time around the new generic Intel PROSet 10.5 control panel with driver release 10.5.1.57 has a memory leak problem.

According to DailyTech reader "MercenaryForHire," the Intel S24EvMon wireless management service is having troubles releasing registry handles. This leads to massive memory consumption during regular operation. The steps to recreate the memory leak is quite simple and involves installing the generic Intel PROSet 10.5 control panel and 10.5.1.57 drivers, then monitoring open handles and monitor memory usage of the Intel S24EvMon service.

Intel is well aware of the issue and places the blame on individual manufacturers, claiming individual OEMs modify the wireless cards for its own configuration and need to release specific driver updates. There’s no word on when or if Intel will address this issue, though DailyTech suggests using drivers from the notebook manufacturer.

Dell and HP branded driver releases 10.5.1.57 for the 3945ABG or 9.0.4.17 for the 2200BG/2915ABG are also affected.
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DailyTech - Intel Says Centrino Drivers Have Security Flaws
DailyTech - Update: New Centrino Drivers Cause Massive Memory Leaks
 
Intel Owns Up to Memory-Hungry PROset Release
PROset gets patched fast

Intel has admitted to a bug in a component of their PROSet 10.5.0.0 connection software that causes excessive memory consumption. This was reported on DailyTech in an earlier article and confirmed by reporter Brandon Hill. The affected S24EvMon "Wireless Management Service" fails to properly release handles in the registry, causing a slow leak that consumes memory until the service or system is restarted.

According to Amy Martin, an Intel spokeswoman, the updated patch should be available on Intel's website Friday, but at the time of this posting, the patch is not yet available for download. In the interim, users who do not require the advanced configuration features of PROSet can uninstall the software and use the integrated Windows configuration utility.

So far, no exploits have been made public that utilize the vulnerabilities these drivers correct, the most severe of which could allow remote code execution on any laptop with the wireless radio enabled.

The updated Intel driver will be available here when it is released.
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DailyTech - Intel Owns Up to Memory-Hungry PROset Release
 
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