CVE-2015-4224 in Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices with software 7.0(240.0) allow local users to execute arbitrary OS commands in a privileged context via crafted CLI commands, aka Bug ID CSCuj39474.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4224 affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices running software version 7.0(240.0) and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with elevated privileges. This vulnerability resides within the command line interface implementation of the wireless controller software, specifically exploiting a flaw in how the system processes and validates user input commands. The issue allows an attacker with local access to the device to bypass normal security restrictions and gain root-level access to the underlying operating system, creating a significant security risk for wireless network infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Cisco WLC command line interface, which fails to properly sanitize or filter user-supplied commands before executing them in a privileged context. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-78, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection'). The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the operating system level rather than at the application layer, meaning that successful exploitation results in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code, modify system configurations, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the wireless controller.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4224 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of wireless networks managed by affected Cisco WLC devices. Organizations relying on these controllers face severe risks including unauthorized network access, man-in-the-middle attacks, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of wireless access control, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt network services, monitor wireless traffic, or gain access to other network resources that depend on the wireless infrastructure. Network administrators must consider that a compromised WLC could provide attackers with a persistent foothold within the enterprise network, particularly in environments where wireless controllers serve as central points of network access control and authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software patching and system hardening measures. Cisco released security advisories and updated firmware versions addressing this flaw, making it imperative for organizations to apply the relevant patches as soon as possible. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit local access to WLC devices, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure system configurations and monitoring for suspicious command-line activities. Organizations should also implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential compromises of wireless infrastructure components.