CVE-2015-6341 in Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Management GUI on Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices with software 7.4(140.0) and 8.0(120.0) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (client disconnection) via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuw10610.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6341 affects Cisco Wireless LAN Controller devices running specific software versions, creating a remote denial of service condition that impacts client connectivity. This issue resides within the Web Management GUI component of the wireless infrastructure, representing a critical weakness in network management interfaces that can be exploited without authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the 7.4(140.0) and 8.0(120.0) software releases, indicating a software-specific flaw rather than a broader architectural issue. The affected WLC devices operate within enterprise wireless networks where uninterrupted client connectivity is essential for business operations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security and operational perspective.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors within the Web Management GUI that trigger client disconnection events when accessed by remote attackers. This behavior aligns with CWE-119 which addresses memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, meaning that any remote attacker with network access can potentially disrupt wireless services. The underlying mechanism likely involves improper input validation or resource management within the web interface components that handle client connection requests. When the malicious input is processed, it causes the system to terminate client sessions unexpectedly, creating a cascading effect that can disrupt network services for multiple users simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it affects the core functionality of wireless network management and client connectivity. Organizations relying on Cisco WLC devices for enterprise wireless infrastructure face potential business disruption when clients lose network access due to remote exploitation. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged repeatedly, allowing attackers to maintain control over client disconnection events without requiring additional authentication. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method for disrupting network services, potentially causing cascading failures in dependent systems that rely on wireless connectivity. The issue can be particularly damaging in environments where wireless networks support critical business applications, emergency services, or industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6341 primarily focus on software updates and network segmentation approaches. Cisco has released patches addressing this vulnerability in subsequent software versions, making immediate upgrade the most effective remediation. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected WLC devices receive the necessary software updates. Network segmentation can provide additional protection by limiting access to the Web Management GUI through firewall rules and access control lists, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Implementing monitoring solutions that detect unusual client disconnection patterns can help identify exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required for maintenance purposes, aligning with the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure web interface design and proper input validation in network management systems, highlighting how seemingly minor flaws in GUI components can result in significant operational disruptions.