CVE-2014-0703 in Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices 7.4 before 7.4.110.0 distribute Aironet IOS software with a race condition in the status of the administrative HTTP server, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by connecting to an Aironet access point on which this server had been disabled ineffectively, aka Bug ID CSCuf66202.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0703 affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices running Aironet IOS software versions 7.4 before 7.4.110.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines access control mechanisms within wireless infrastructure. This issue stems from a race condition in the administrative HTTP server status management, creating a scenario where unauthorized remote attackers can exploit the inconsistent state of the server to bypass intended access restrictions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the WLC 7.4 release line, where the HTTP server functionality does not properly synchronize its operational state across all components, leading to a window where the server appears disabled while still remaining accessible to authenticated users.
The technical flaw manifests as a race condition in the status propagation mechanism of the administrative HTTP server within the Aironet IOS software stack. When administrators disable the HTTP server for security reasons, the system fails to properly enforce this restriction due to timing inconsistencies in how the status change is communicated across different subsystems. This race condition creates a temporal gap where the HTTP server can be accessed through an Aironet access point even though the administrative configuration indicates it should be disabled. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the authentication and authorization processes that govern access to administrative interfaces, making it particularly dangerous for wireless network administrators who rely on these controls to protect their infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0703 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of wireless networks managed by affected Cisco WLC devices. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain access to administrative functions of the wireless infrastructure without proper authentication, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the affected access point, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless access points are deployed in public or semi-public locations. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CIA triad, specifically undermining the confidentiality and integrity of the wireless network management interfaces, and can enable attackers to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Cisco IOS software version 7.4.110.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the race condition. Network administrators should also verify that HTTP server access is properly restricted and consider implementing additional network segmentation controls to limit access to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions that can lead to security flaws, and represents a clear example of how improper state management can create security vulnerabilities in network infrastructure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables initial access and privilege escalation techniques, potentially allowing adversaries to move laterally within the network through the compromised wireless infrastructure, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing zero-trust security models where access controls must be strictly enforced across all network components.