CVE-2015-4142 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in the WMM Action frame parser in hostapd 0.5.5 through 2.4 and wpa_supplicant 0.7.0 through 2.4, when used for AP mode MLME/SME functionality, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted frame, which triggers an out-of-bounds read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4142 represents a critical integer underflow condition within the wireless management framework of hostapd and wpa_supplicant implementations. This flaw specifically affects versions ranging from hostapd 0.5.5 through 2.4 and wpa_supplicant 0.7.0 through 2.4, where the WMM Action frame parser fails to properly validate frame length parameters during AP mode MLME/SME operations. The issue manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious wireless frame that exploits the improper integer handling, leading to a predictable overflow condition that results in memory access violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the parser's failure to validate the length field within the WMM Action frame structure before performing arithmetic operations that determine buffer boundaries. When processing a crafted frame, the parser calculates a value that underflows beyond the minimum representable integer, causing subsequent memory access operations to reference invalid memory locations. This condition creates an out-of-bounds read scenario where the application attempts to access memory outside of the allocated buffer boundaries, ultimately resulting in a segmentation fault that terminates the wireless management daemon process. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level within the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard framework, specifically targeting the WMM (Wireless Multimedia Extensions) Action frame handling mechanisms that govern Quality of Service parameters in wireless networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4142 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential network instability and availability compromise within wireless infrastructure deployments. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete service termination of the affected wireless access point or client device, effectively rendering the wireless network segment inaccessible to legitimate users. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can trigger the vulnerability from outside the physical network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and public wireless deployments. This type of denial of service condition directly violates the principles of availability in the CIA triad and can be leveraged as part of broader network disruption campaigns, particularly in environments where wireless infrastructure serves critical business operations or public services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4142 require immediate implementation of software updates to versions that address the integer underflow condition within the WMM Action frame parsing logic. Organizations should prioritize patching affected wireless infrastructure components, including access points, wireless controllers, and client devices running the vulnerable hostapd and wpa_supplicant versions. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless frame patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, leveraging intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed WMM Action frames. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and wireless network access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation, while maintaining detailed logging of wireless management frame activity to support forensic analysis if incidents occur. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, Integer Underflow, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.002, Endpoint Denial of Service, making it a significant concern for wireless network security posture assessment and compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001.