CVE-2006-3288 in Wireless Control System
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the TFTP server in Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) for Linux and Windows before 3.2(51), when configured to use a directory path name that contains a space character, allows remote authenticated users to read and overwrite arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3288 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Wireless Control System's TFTP server implementation across both Linux and Windows platforms. This issue affects versions prior to 3.2(51) and specifically manifests when the TFTP server is configured to utilize directory paths containing space characters. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-22 as it involves improper handling of input validation during file path processing, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. The TFTP protocol's inherent design limitations combined with inadequate input sanitization create an exploitable condition that could lead to unauthorized file access and modification.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of directory path names that contain space characters, which the TFTP server fails to properly handle during file operations. When a remote authenticated user submits a request with a directory path containing spaces, the server's parsing mechanism becomes vulnerable to injection attacks that can be leveraged to access arbitrary files on the system. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution, as it allows attackers to both read sensitive files and potentially overwrite critical system components. The vulnerability essentially enables attackers to bypass normal file access controls through improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to modify system configuration files, replace critical binaries, or inject malicious code that would persist across system reboots. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first gain legitimate credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk given that credential compromise is a common attack vector in enterprise environments. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Cisco Wireless Control System, potentially exposing wireless network configurations, user credentials, and other sensitive operational data. Organizations using affected WCS versions face significant risk of unauthorized system modification and potential complete takeover of wireless network management capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Cisco WCS version 3.2(51) or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues in the TFTP server component. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the WCS server and restrict TFTP server functionality to only necessary directories without spaces in their names. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring TFTP server activities for unusual file access patterns, and conducting regular security audits of wireless network management systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in network services and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and patch management in enterprise wireless infrastructure deployments.