CVE-2015-6336 in Aironet 1800
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Aironet 1800 devices with software 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1(112.3), 8.1(112.4), and 8.1(15.14) have a default account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuw58062.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6336 affects Cisco Aironet 1800 series wireless access points running specific software versions including 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1(112.3), 8.1(112.4), and 8.1(15.14). This security flaw represents a critical configuration weakness that enables unauthorized remote access through the presence of default administrative credentials. The vulnerability is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure devices. The affected devices are commonly deployed in enterprise environments as wireless access points, serving as critical components of network infrastructure that require robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the inclusion of default administrative accounts with well-known usernames and passwords that remain unchanged after device installation. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified network vectors that typically involve remote network access to the affected wireless access points. The default credentials provide attackers with immediate administrative privileges, allowing them to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain full control over the device configuration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials, and represents a classic example of credential-based attack vectors that can lead to complete device compromise. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various network protocols or interfaces, including but not limited to SNMP, HTTP, or SSH services that the affected devices may expose.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised wireless access points can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate wireless network configurations, potentially redirecting traffic, disabling security features, or creating backdoor access points. The affected Cisco Aironet 1800 series devices operate as wireless access points that typically serve as bridges between wired networks and wireless clients, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that these devices often operate in environments where they are not regularly monitored for unauthorized access attempts, and their default configurations may persist for extended periods without administrative review or modification. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on these devices for wireless network connectivity, as the compromise of a single access point can potentially affect multiple wireless clients and network segments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability by changing default administrative credentials to strong, unique passwords that meet industry security standards. The recommended approach involves conducting comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and applying firmware updates that address the default credential issue. Security professionals should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The mitigation process should include regular security audits to ensure that default accounts are disabled and that all administrative access is properly authenticated through secure channels. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts and implement network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious activities related to wireless access point management interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper device configuration management and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect network infrastructure components from credential-based attacks that exploit default configurations.