CVE-2010-2843 in Wireless LAN Controller Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) software, possibly 4.2 through 6.0, allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and modify the configuration, and possibly obtain administrative privileges, via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-2842 and CVE-2010-3033.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2843 affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller software versions 4.2 through 6.0, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of wireless network management systems. This issue stems from insufficient access control mechanisms within the WLC software architecture, allowing authenticated users to exploit weaknesses in the privilege escalation process. The vulnerability specifically targets the configuration modification capabilities of the wireless controller, enabling attackers who have already established authentication credentials to bypass intended access restrictions that should normally prevent unauthorized administrative actions. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that differ from related vulnerabilities CVE-2010-2842 and CVE-2010-3033, indicating a distinct exploitation pathway within the same software family. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a critical weakness in the authorization mechanisms of enterprise wireless infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2843 extends beyond simple configuration changes to potentially enable full administrative control over wireless networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify critical network parameters, alter user access policies, disable security features, and potentially gain complete control over the wireless infrastructure. The ability to obtain administrative privileges through this flaw means that legitimate users with lower privileges could escalate their access levels to gain full system control, undermining the fundamental security model of wireless network management. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Cisco WLC deployments for enterprise wireless network management, as it provides a pathway for unauthorized modification of critical network configurations. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur from outside the local network perimeter, making it especially dangerous for organizations with wireless networks that are accessible from external networks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a critical threat to wireless network infrastructure, particularly in environments where wireless controllers are not properly isolated from external networks. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK matrix domain T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," highlights the specific attack pattern that this flaw enables. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate WLC deployments, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the wireless controller management interfaces, and applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege implementations, where administrative access should be strictly limited and monitored. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure and implementation of proper access control policies are essential to prevent unauthorized modifications that could compromise entire wireless network environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor access control flaws can have significant operational consequences in enterprise wireless networks. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions of the WLC software indicates a systemic issue within the software design that requires comprehensive remediation rather than simple patching. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication for administrative access, regular configuration audits, and network access controls that limit direct access to wireless controller management interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and incident response procedures specifically tailored for wireless network infrastructure, as the impact of such attacks can extend beyond individual devices to affect entire enterprise wireless networks and potentially compromise sensitive data transmitted over wireless connections.