CVE-2015-0210 in wpa_supplicant
Summary
by MITRE
wpa_supplicant 2.0-16 does not properly check certificate subject name, which allows remote attackers to cause a man-in-the-middle attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0210 affects wpa_supplicant versions 2.0 through 16, representing a critical weakness in wireless network security implementation. This flaw resides in the certificate subject name validation mechanism, which is fundamental to establishing trust in wireless authentication protocols. The issue enables remote attackers to exploit the system's insufficient validation processes and execute man-in-the-middle attacks against wireless networks that rely on certificate-based authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process during the 802.1x authentication workflow, where the wpa_supplicant client fails to properly validate the subject name field within X.509 certificates presented by wireless access points.
This security gap stems from inadequate certificate validation logic that allows malicious actors to present certificates with subject names that do not match the expected wireless network identity. The flaw operates at the application layer within the wireless authentication framework, specifically impacting the certificate chain validation process that should ensure the authenticity of wireless access points. Attackers can exploit this weakness by presenting forged certificates that contain subject names designed to bypass the validation checks, thereby tricking client devices into establishing connections with malicious access points rather than legitimate ones. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic failure in certificate validation that aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to intercept and potentially manipulate wireless communications between client devices and access points.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0210 extends beyond simple network disruption to encompass serious data integrity and confidentiality risks. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to intercept wireless traffic, potentially gaining access to sensitive information transmitted over the network. The man-in-the-middle attack capability means that adversaries can eavesdrop on communications, inject malicious data, or redirect traffic to malicious endpoints. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless networks handle critical business data and where the compromise of a single client device can provide attackers with access to broader network resources. The impact is further amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects widely deployed wireless authentication software, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise wireless infrastructure. The flaw operates within the context of wireless security frameworks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves credential harvesting through network infrastructure manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0210 require immediate software updates to wpa_supplicant versions that address the certificate validation flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect unusual certificate validation behaviors and potential man-in-the-middle attempts. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of wpa_supplicant that properly validate certificate subject names against expected network identities. Additional protective measures involve implementing stronger certificate management practices, including the use of certificate pinning mechanisms and enhanced certificate validation policies that go beyond basic subject name checking. Network administrators should also consider deploying additional security layers such as network access control and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious certificate validation activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust certificate validation in wireless security protocols and underscores the need for continuous security assessment of authentication mechanisms. Organizations should conduct thorough security audits of their wireless infrastructure to identify and remediate similar validation weaknesses that could provide attackers with similar opportunities for exploitation.