CVE-2001-0160 in WaveLAN
Summary
by MITRE
Lucent/ORiNOCO WaveLAN cards generate predictable Initialization Vector (IV) values for the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) which allows remote attackers to quickly compile information that will let them decrypt messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0160 represents a critical weakness in the wireless encryption protocol implementation of Lucent/ORiNOCO WaveLAN network cards. This flaw specifically targets the Wireless Encryption Protocol WEP which was widely adopted in wireless local area networks during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The vulnerability stems from the predictable nature of Initialization Vector generation within the WEP framework, creating a fundamental security weakness that undermines the entire encryption scheme.
The technical flaw lies in the implementation of the WEP protocol where the Initialization Vector values are generated using a predictable algorithm rather than truly random sequences. This predictable IV generation allows attackers to perform statistical analysis and pattern recognition against captured network traffic. The weakness is particularly severe because WEP relies on the IV to initialize the encryption process for each packet, and when these values are predictable, attackers can exploit this predictability to reconstruct the encryption keys. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak or predictable random number generators in cryptographic applications, and specifically relates to the improper implementation of cryptographic protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to compromise wireless network security without requiring physical access to the network infrastructure. Attackers can capture encrypted wireless packets and use the predictable IV patterns to perform key recovery attacks, effectively decrypting sensitive information transmitted over the wireless network. This vulnerability makes wireless networks using affected Lucent/ORiNOCO cards particularly susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, and unauthorized access to network resources. The attack can be executed from a remote location, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on wireless connectivity for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate replacement of affected hardware with newer wireless network equipment that implements stronger encryption protocols such as WPA or WPA2. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network security measures including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and highlights the need for robust random number generation in security protocols. This issue contributed significantly to the widespread abandonment of WEP in favor of more secure wireless encryption standards and serves as a foundational example of why cryptographic implementations must undergo rigorous security testing before deployment. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1566 which covers credential access through social engineering, as the predictable IV attack can lead to unauthorized network access and credential compromise.