CVE-2005-4697 in Wireless Zero Configuration system
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Wireless Zero Configuration system (WZCS) allows local users to access WEP keys and pair-wise Master Keys (PMK) of the WPA pre-shared key via certain calls to the WZCQueryInterface API function in wzcsapi.dll.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4697 resides within Microsoft's Wireless Zero Configuration system, a component designed to manage wireless network connections on Windows operating systems. This system automatically handles wireless network profile management and connection processes, making it a critical element in wireless network security implementations. The flaw specifically affects the WZCQueryInterface API function within the wzcsapi.dll dynamic link library, which serves as the primary interface for querying wireless network interface information and configuration parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic material stored within the Windows wireless subsystem. Local attackers who can execute code on a target system can leverage the WZCQueryInterface API to extract WEP keys and pairwise master keys (PMK) associated with WPA pre-shared keys. This represents a significant security breach as these keys are fundamental to wireless network encryption and authentication processes. The vulnerability essentially allows unauthorized access to the cryptographic secrets that protect wireless communications, effectively undermining the security mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized network access and data interception.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to decrypt wireless network traffic and potentially gain unauthorized access to network resources. This weakness particularly affects wireless networks utilizing WPA pre-shared key authentication, where the extracted PMK can be used to derive session keys and decrypt traffic between wireless clients and access points. The vulnerability's local nature means that an attacker must first compromise a system with local access, but once achieved, the implications are severe as it enables passive network monitoring and potential man-in-the-middle attacks against wireless communications. The flaw directly violates security principles by exposing cryptographic material through improper access controls within the wireless configuration API.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on restricting local system access and implementing proper access controls within the wireless configuration subsystem. Organizations should ensure that only authorized personnel have local access to wireless-enabled systems and implement least privilege principles for wireless configuration management. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in wireless network security. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access methods, as attackers can leverage local system access to obtain network credentials and cryptographic keys. Microsoft addressed this issue through system updates and security patches that improved access controls around the WZCQueryInterface API and restricted unauthorized access to wireless configuration data.