CVE-2014-3686 in Wpa Supplicant
Summary
by MITRE
wpa_supplicant and hostapd 0.7.2 through 2.2, when running with certain configurations and using wpa_cli or hostapd_cli with action scripts, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3686 affects wpa_supplicant and hostapd implementations version 0.7.2 through 2.2, representing a critical command execution flaw that can be exploited remotely through crafted network frames. This vulnerability resides in the wireless network authentication and access point management components that are widely deployed in enterprise and consumer wireless infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous given the prevalence of these implementations across various network environments. The flaw specifically manifests when these services operate with certain configuration settings that enable the use of wpa_cli or hostapd_cli with action scripts, creating a dangerous intersection between network protocol handling and local command execution capabilities. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as a failure to prevent command injection, which directly maps to the fundamental security principle of input validation and sanitization in network protocol implementations.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves crafting malicious wireless frames that are processed by the vulnerable wpa_supplicant or hostapd components, which then execute arbitrary commands through the action script functionality. This occurs because the wireless protocol handlers fail to properly sanitize or validate input parameters that are passed to action scripts, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the running service. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no local access or authentication, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over the airwaves. The vulnerability is closely related to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the execution of commands through wireless protocols, and represents a prime example of how network protocol implementations can create attack surfaces that bypass traditional network security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both enterprise wireless networks and consumer devices that rely on these implementations for network authentication. Organizations using affected versions of wpa_supplicant or hostapd face potential complete compromise of their wireless infrastructure, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems with the privileges of the wireless daemon processes. This can lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within wireless networks. The vulnerability affects both client authentication and access point management functions, meaning that either role in a wireless network can be compromised, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over entire wireless domains. The widespread adoption of these implementations across various network vendors and operating systems amplifies the potential impact, as organizations may unknowingly be running vulnerable versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3686 require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of wpa_supplicant and hostapd, with the specific versions containing fixes for this vulnerability being released after the vulnerability disclosure. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation and disable unnecessary action script functionality when not required. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that action scripts are properly sanitized and that only trusted commands are executed through the wireless protocol handlers. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and anomalous wireless frame behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in network protocol implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration options can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that can detect and prevent unauthorized wireless frame injection, as well as regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential command injection flaws in network infrastructure components.