CVE-2010-2976 in Unified Wireless Network Solution Software
Summary
by MITRE
The controller in Cisco Unified Wireless Network (UWN) Solution 7.x through 7.0.98.0 has (1) a default SNMP read-only community of public, (2) a default SNMP read-write community of private, and a value of "default" for the (3) SNMP v3 username, (4) SNMP v3 authentication password, and (5) SNMP v3 privacy password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2976 affects Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution version 7.x through 7.0.98.0, presenting a critical security weakness in the controller component that significantly undermines network security posture. This flaw represents a classic case of weak default credentials that persists across multiple SNMP protocol versions, creating multiple attack vectors for unauthorized access. The controller's default configuration exposes sensitive network management interfaces through predictable credential schemes that attackers can readily exploit without requiring advanced technical skills or significant resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple default credential configurations that collectively create a dangerous security exposure. The controller maintains a default SNMP read-only community string of "public" which is widely known throughout the cybersecurity community and serves as one of the most common default credentials used in network device exploitation attempts. Additionally, the read-write community string is set to "private" which follows the same pattern of predictable default values that have been exploited in numerous security incidents over the years. The vulnerability extends to SNMP version 3 configuration where all three critical parameters - username, authentication password, and privacy password - are set to "default" values that provide attackers with complete administrative access to the wireless network controller.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of authentication credentials. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the wireless network controller, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the wireless infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because the default SNMP community strings are often used in network scanning tools and automated exploitation frameworks, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in practice.
The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning. Attackers can leverage these default credentials to perform reconnaissance activities, map network topology, and identify additional vulnerable devices within the wireless infrastructure. The ease of exploitation means that even basic threat actors can successfully compromise the wireless network controller without requiring sophisticated attack techniques or significant time investment. The default SNMP v3 credentials are particularly concerning because they provide full administrative access to the controller, allowing attackers to modify wireless policies, create unauthorized access points, or disable security mechanisms that protect the wireless network from further exploitation.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include changing all default credentials to strong, unique values that are properly documented and managed through secure credential management processes. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the wireless controller to authorized administrative workstations only, while also ensuring that SNMP services are properly configured with appropriate access controls. The remediation process should involve comprehensive network audits to identify any devices still using default credentials, followed by systematic credential updates across all affected Cisco Unified Wireless Network controllers. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that default configurations are not inadvertently re-enabled during system updates or maintenance operations, and that proper access control policies are maintained throughout the wireless network infrastructure.