CVE-2010-2981 in Unified Wireless Network Solution Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Wireless Network (UWN) Solution 7.x before 7.0.98.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device crash) by pinging a virtual interface, aka Bug ID CSCte55370.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2981 affects Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution version 7.x prior to 7.0.98.0, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited remotely by attackers to crash network devices. This issue specifically targets virtual interfaces within the wireless network infrastructure, demonstrating how seemingly benign network operations can be weaponized to disrupt critical services. The vulnerability resides in the handling of ping requests directed at virtual interfaces, which triggers an improper response mechanism leading to device instability and potential complete system failure.
The technical flaw manifests when remote attackers send ping requests to virtual interfaces managed by the Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution. This particular implementation does not properly validate or handle incoming ping packets destined for virtual interfaces, causing the system to enter an unstable state that ultimately results in a device crash. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, exploiting insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the wireless network controller's processing pipeline. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation and error handling, specifically CWE-20, which encompasses improper input validation issues that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect enterprise wireless infrastructure critical to business operations. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete device crashes requiring manual intervention and system restarts, potentially leading to extended downtime for wireless networks. Organizations relying on Cisco UWN solutions may experience significant operational disruption, particularly in environments where wireless connectivity is essential for business processes. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access or network credentials to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments with exposed wireless infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for network denial of service, specifically targeting the availability of network services through device crashes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2981 primarily involve applying the official Cisco security patches and updates released in version 7.0.98.0 and subsequent releases. Network administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution devices are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to virtual interfaces from untrusted networks. Monitoring network traffic for unusual ping activity directed at virtual interfaces can serve as an early detection mechanism for potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious ping-based activities targeting wireless network controllers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in network infrastructure devices, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of network protocols before deployment in production environments.