CVE-2010-4648 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The orinoco_ioctl_set_auth function in drivers/net/wireless/orinoco/wext.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37 does not properly implement a TKIP protection mechanism, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access to a Wi-Fi network by reading Wi-Fi frames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4648 resides within the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically in the orinoco wireless driver implementation. This flaw affects kernel versions prior to 2.6.37 and represents a critical weakness in the wireless frame processing mechanism that directly impacts the security of Wi-Fi communications. The issue manifests in the orinoco_ioctl_set_auth function which handles authentication operations for wireless networks, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in the TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) implementation that is fundamental to WPA security.
The technical flaw stems from improper implementation of the TKIP protection mechanism within the wireless driver's ioctl handling function. When wireless frames are processed, the function fails to properly validate or enforce the TKIP encryption standards that are designed to prevent replay attacks and ensure frame integrity. This inadequate implementation allows attackers to potentially intercept, analyze, and manipulate wireless frames without proper authentication, effectively undermining the security assurances that TKIP is meant to provide. The vulnerability operates at the driver level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses higher-level security controls and directly impacts the kernel's wireless subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized network penetration. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by monitoring wireless traffic and analyzing frame patterns to reconstruct authentication sequences or manipulate existing frames to gain network access. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and represents a significant deviation from expected security practices in wireless network implementation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance activities, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering and credential access methods. The flaw enables attackers to perform wireless network reconnaissance and authentication bypass operations that would otherwise require more sophisticated attack vectors. Network administrators face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by any remote attacker within wireless range, potentially compromising entire wireless networks. The lack of proper TKIP implementation creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited repeatedly until patched, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4648 require immediate kernel upgrades to version 2.6.37 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the orinoco wireless driver implementation. Organizations should also implement additional network security measures including WPA2 migration where possible, as TKIP is inherently less secure than its successor protocols. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected wireless driver implementations. The fix addresses the core cryptographic implementation issue and restores proper TKIP protocol enforcement that was previously bypassed due to the flawed driver code.