CVE-2012-2736 in NetworkManager
Summary
by MITRE
In NetworkManager 0.9.2.0, when a new wireless network was created with WPA/WPA2 security in AdHoc mode, it created an open/insecure network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-2736 represents a critical security flaw in NetworkManager version 0.9.2.0 that fundamentally undermines wireless network security protocols. This issue specifically affects the handling of wireless network configurations when creating new networks with WPA/WPA2 security authentication in AdHoc mode. The flaw demonstrates a serious failure in the software's cryptographic implementation and security policy enforcement mechanisms, where the system incorrectly configures networks that should be secured with WPA/WPA2 encryption to operate as open networks instead.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of wireless network security parameters during the network creation process within NetworkManager's wireless subsystem. When users attempt to establish a new wireless network with WPA/WPA2 security in AdHoc mode, the software fails to properly apply the intended security configuration. This misconfiguration results in the network being created without proper encryption, effectively creating an open network that exposes all communications to potential eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack and represents a failure in the security configuration management component of the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across multiple security domains. Networks configured with WPA/WPA2 security that are actually deployed as open networks create significant attack vectors for malicious actors who can intercept and potentially manipulate all wireless communications passing through these networks. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and security by design, as it creates insecure network conditions that compromise the confidentiality and integrity of network traffic. The flaw affects any system running NetworkManager 0.9.2.0 that utilizes wireless AdHoc mode with WPA/WPA2 security, potentially exposing sensitive data and communications to unauthorized access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1004 which addresses security weaknesses in the design phase, specifically concerning improper handling of security configuration parameters. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks. Organizations using affected versions of NetworkManager face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized network access, and potential compromise of connected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in security-by-design principles and represents a failure in proper input validation and security parameter enforcement. Mitigation strategies include immediate upgrade to patched versions of NetworkManager, implementation of additional network monitoring to detect unauthorized network changes, and verification of wireless network configurations to ensure proper security implementation.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the immediate security breach to encompass potential compliance violations and regulatory consequences. Organizations that deploy affected NetworkManager versions may face audit failures due to inadequate security controls and improper network configuration management. The flaw also highlights the importance of proper software testing and security verification in network management tools, particularly those handling cryptographic security parameters. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and implementing proper configuration management practices to prevent the deployment of insecure network configurations that can compromise entire network infrastructures.