CVE-2005-2196 in AirPort
Summary
by MITRE
The Apple AirPort card uses a default WEP key when not connected to a known or trusted network, which can cause it to automatically connect to a malicious network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2196 represents a critical security flaw in Apple AirPort wireless network adapters that operated under the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption protocol. This weakness stems from the implementation of default network credentials that persist even when the device is not connected to a known or trusted wireless network. The flaw exists at the network authentication and connection management level where the system automatically attempts to establish connections based on previously stored network configurations without proper verification of network authenticity. This behavior creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit through malicious network spoofing or rogue access point deployments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the wireless network management software that governs how AirPort cards handle network connections and authentication. When a device is not connected to a known network, the system defaults to using a hardcoded WEP key that is publicly documented and easily accessible to attackers. This default key configuration violates fundamental security principles of credential management and network authentication. The flaw specifically affects the automatic network selection and connection process where the system prioritizes convenience over security by automatically connecting to networks that match stored profiles without validating the network's legitimacy or confirming the correct encryption key. This design decision creates an inherent trust model that can be easily subverted by malicious actors who deploy rogue access points using the same default credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized network access to encompass broader security implications including man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, and potential system compromise. When an attacker deploys a rogue access point using the default WEP key, any device within range that has previously connected to a network using that key will automatically connect to the malicious network without user intervention. This automatic connection behavior allows attackers to intercept network traffic, capture sensitive information transmitted over the wireless network, and potentially escalate privileges through network-based attacks. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where multiple devices may automatically connect to compromised networks, creating a potential vector for widespread data breaches and network infiltration. According to the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification, this represents a weakness in the implementation of network authentication mechanisms and improper handling of default credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to wireless network security. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling automatic network connections and requiring explicit user confirmation before connecting to any wireless network. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access point deployments, while users must be educated about the risks of automatic wireless connections. The implementation of WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption protocols should replace WEP encryption wherever possible, as these provide stronger authentication mechanisms and prevent the exploitation of default keys. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through default credentials and initial access via wireless network exploitation, highlighting the importance of network security monitoring and proper authentication protocol implementation. Organizations should also consider implementing wireless intrusion detection systems to identify and alert on rogue access point activity, and establish policies that require manual network configuration rather than relying on automatic connection features that may expose systems to default credential-based attacks.