CVE-2010-0575 in Wireless LAN Controller Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) software, possibly 6.0.x or possibly 4.1 through 6.0.x, allows remote attackers to bypass ACLs in the controller CPU, and consequently send network traffic to unintended segments or devices, via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-3034.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0575 affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller software across multiple versions including 6.0.x and 4.1 through 6.0.x releases. This security flaw represents a significant bypass of access control mechanisms within the wireless infrastructure, specifically targeting the controller's CPU processing capabilities. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that differ from the related CVE-2010-3034, indicating a distinct exploitation pathway within the same software family. The core issue manifests as an improper access control implementation that allows unauthorized network traffic routing through the wireless controller's central processing unit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of network traffic flows within the wireless controller's CPU processing environment. When the WLC software processes incoming network requests, it fails to properly enforce access control lists that should normally restrict traffic to authorized network segments. This weakness creates a pathway where remote attackers can manipulate the controller's CPU to forward traffic to unintended network destinations that would normally be blocked by standard access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows attackers to circumvent the normal network segmentation policies that protect different VLANs or network zones within the wireless infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise wireless network security as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive network segments that should remain isolated from unauthorized users. The ability to bypass ACLs on the controller CPU means that malicious actors could gain access to critical network resources, sensitive data, or internal systems that are typically protected by network segmentation policies. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of wireless networks where different network zones are separated to prevent lateral movement and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.
The security implications extend beyond simple network access violations as this vulnerability could enable more sophisticated attack patterns including lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of other vulnerable systems within the segmented network environment. Network administrators face the challenge of maintaining security boundaries that are effectively compromised by this CPU-level access control bypass. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple versions of the WLC software, suggesting a widespread exposure across various network deployments that rely on Cisco's wireless infrastructure solutions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing immediate software updates and patches provided by Cisco to address the specific access control bypass vulnerability. Network segmentation should be reviewed and reinforced through additional layers of security controls beyond the standard ACL mechanisms that may be compromised by this vulnerability. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous traffic flows that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments.