CVE-2001-0455 in Aironet 340
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Aironet 340 Series wireless bridge before 8.55 does not properly disable access to the web interface, which allows remote attackers to modify its configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0455 affects Cisco Aironet 340 Series wireless bridges running firmware versions prior to 8.55, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure equipment that has significant implications for wireless network security. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the device's web-based management interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote exploitation that fundamentally undermines the security posture of wireless networks relying on these devices.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the device's authentication and authorization processes, where the web interface remains accessible even when proper security measures should be enforced. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain the ability to modify critical network configuration parameters without proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's management interface, which typically requires administrative privileges to access and modify settings, yet the flaw permits unauthorized modification of network parameters including wireless configurations, security settings, and network access controls. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement that should be fundamental to network infrastructure security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the wireless bridge's configuration and potentially the entire wireless network segment it serves. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify wireless network parameters such as encryption settings, SSID configurations, access controls, and authentication mechanisms, effectively allowing them to take control of the wireless network infrastructure. This compromise could lead to unauthorized network access, data interception, man-in-the-middle attacks, and potential lateral movement within the network environment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for deployments in environments where physical security measures may be inadequate.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) for potential network reconnaissance and T1566 (Phishing for Information) if attackers use the compromised device to conduct further attacks. The vulnerability also reflects broader concerns about the security of legacy network equipment and the importance of proper firmware management and security updates. Organizations utilizing these devices face heightened risk of network compromise and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a backdoor into critical wireless infrastructure components. The remediation approach requires immediate firmware updates to version 8.55 or later, along with comprehensive network monitoring to detect any potential exploitation attempts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of wireless network security posture, particularly focusing on the management interfaces of network equipment and ensuring proper access control implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches for network infrastructure devices, as well as implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Organizations should also evaluate their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to unauthorized modifications to critical network infrastructure components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in securing legacy network equipment and the need for comprehensive security assessments that consider both current and historical vulnerabilities in network infrastructure deployments.