CVE-2010-2982 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 discover a group password via a series of SNMP requests, as demonstrated by an SNMP walk, aka Bug ID CSCtb74037.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2982 affects Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution version 7.x prior to 7.0.98.0, representing a significant security weakness in wireless network infrastructure management. This flaw resides in the SNMP implementation of the wireless network solution, specifically within the group password handling mechanisms that are exposed through standard network management protocols. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to extract sensitive group passwords through routine SNMP operations, fundamentally compromising the security of wireless network communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and improper privilege management within the SNMP subsystem of the Cisco UWN solution. When attackers perform SNMP walks or other SNMP queries against the affected system, they can traverse the MIB (Management Information Base) structure to retrieve group password information that should remain confidential. This occurs because the system fails to properly validate SNMP requests or implement adequate authentication mechanisms before exposing sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically involving improper access control in network management protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2982 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as group passwords are critical components of wireless network security infrastructure. When these passwords are compromised, attackers gain the ability to authenticate to wireless networks and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless networks serve as primary communication channels. The attack vector through SNMP operations also means that this vulnerability can be discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools, amplifying the potential for widespread compromise.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1078 Valid Accounts, as attackers can use the discovered group passwords to establish unauthorized network access. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where sensitive network configuration data is exposed through standard management interfaces without proper authorization checks. Organizations implementing Cisco UWN solutions should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized SNMP activity and implementing stricter SNMP access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation in network management protocols and demonstrates how seemingly routine administrative functions can become security risks when proper access controls are not implemented.