CVE-2012-6007 in 2100 Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in screens/base/web_auth_custom.html on Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices with software 7.2.110.0 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the headline parameter, aka Bug ID CSCud65187, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-5992.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-6007 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices running software version 7.2.110.0. This security weakness exists within the web authentication custom screen file located at screens/base/web_auth_custom.html, making it accessible to remote authenticated attackers who can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the headline parameter, which serves as an injection point for malicious payloads that can be executed when users interact with the web interface.
This XSS vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which classifies weaknesses related to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can manipulate web page content, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the authentication interface of wireless network controllers, which are critical infrastructure components that manage wireless network access and user authentication. The specific bug ID CSCud65187 identifies this as a distinct issue from CVE-2012-5992, indicating that multiple vulnerabilities exist within the same software version, each requiring separate remediation approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to compromise the integrity of the wireless authentication process. When authenticated users access the web interface, they become potential victims of the XSS attack, creating opportunities for attackers to steal session cookies, modify authentication screens, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices, which are widely deployed in enterprise environments, making the potential attack surface significant. Network administrators who rely on these controllers for wireless access management face increased risk of unauthorized access and data breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The remote authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where wireless networks are extensively used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6007 should focus on immediate software updates and implementation of input validation controls. Cisco released patches for this vulnerability in subsequent software releases, and organizations should prioritize upgrading their WLC software to versions that contain the necessary fixes. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attempts, though these measures provide only partial protection. Input sanitization of the headline parameter should be implemented at multiple levels, including web application filters and server-side validation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper output encoding and input validation in web applications, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project and aligned with defensive programming practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web components of wireless infrastructure, as this vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of authentication interfaces.