CVE-2010-2826 in Wireless Control System Software
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) 6.0.x before 6.0.196.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to the ORDER BY clause of the Client List screens, aka Bug ID CSCtf37019.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2826 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Wireless Control System version 6.0.x prior to 6.0.196.0. This security weakness specifically targets the client list functionality of the wireless network management platform, where authenticated users can manipulate database queries through the ORDER BY clause mechanism. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data that flows into SQL command construction processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users access the Client List screens within the WCS interface and manipulate the ORDER BY parameter to inject malicious SQL code. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of wireless network management data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges within the wireless network management system. Remote authenticated users can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information about wireless clients, network configurations, and potentially access administrative functions. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Cisco Wireless Control System, which is designed to manage and monitor wireless networks, making it a significant threat to enterprise wireless infrastructure security. Attackers can use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify network policies, or gain unauthorized access to wireless client information, potentially leading to broader network compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates to mitigate the risk. Cisco released version 6.0.196.0 as a fix for this vulnerability, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for SQL query parameters. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the WCS interface, enforcing strict authentication controls, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in database-driven applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit weaknesses in application logic to manipulate data processing. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.