CVE-2013-6684 in Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
The web framework on Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices does not properly validate configuration parameters, which allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuh81011.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6684 resides within the web framework of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute denial of service attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects Cisco WLC devices running software versions prior to 7.3.100.0, where the web interface fails to properly validate incoming configuration parameters submitted through HTTP requests. The flaw manifests when legitimate users with authentication credentials attempt to interact with the device management interface, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that can disrupt normal network operations and service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the web framework component of the WLC software stack. When authenticated users submit crafted HTTP requests containing malformed or maliciously constructed parameters, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing them. This inadequate validation allows attackers to inject specially crafted data that triggers unexpected behavior within the web server component, ultimately leading to service disruption. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the existing authentication mechanism as a prerequisite, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already possess legitimate credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability directly compromises the availability and reliability of wireless network infrastructure managed by Cisco WLC devices. Organizations relying on these controllers for wireless access point management and network monitoring face potential service interruptions that can affect thousands of end users simultaneously. The denial of service condition can persist until the affected device is manually rebooted or the software is updated, creating significant operational downtime and potential business disruption. Network administrators may experience complete loss of management access to the affected controllers, preventing them from monitoring or controlling wireless network operations during the attack period.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains. The vulnerability requires minimal attack complexity since it only requires authenticated access, making it particularly concerning for environments where administrative credentials may be compromised or where insider threats exist. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to WLC management interfaces, and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in wireless infrastructure components that could be exploited in similar fashion.