CVE-2016-1419 in Access Point
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Access Point devices with software 8.2(102.43) allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted ARP packets, aka Bug ID CSCuy55803.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2019
Cisco Access Point devices running software version 8.2(102.43) contain a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through the careful crafting of Address Resolution Protocol packets. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of ARP packets within the device's network stack, where improper handling of malformed or specially constructed ARP frames leads to an unexpected device restart or reload. The flaw resides in the device's failure to properly validate incoming ARP packet structures before processing them, creating a condition where maliciously formatted packets can cause the access point to crash and subsequently reboot. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution risk that manifests as a denial of service attack, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where continuous connectivity is critical. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow or input validation flaw that can be exploited without authentication, as ARP packets are typically accepted and processed by network devices as part of normal operation. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption since access point reboots can cause temporary network outages, especially in wireless infrastructure where multiple devices may be dependent on a single access point for connectivity. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which covers improper validation of input boundaries, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.1 for network denial of service attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how fundamental network protocols can become attack vectors when devices fail to properly sanitize input data, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints may limit the implementation of robust input validation mechanisms. Network administrators should be aware that this vulnerability affects wireless infrastructure components that are often overlooked in traditional security assessments, making it a significant concern for enterprise and industrial wireless networks. The device reload behavior indicates a complete system failure rather than a simple service interruption, meaning that the access point will be temporarily unavailable to provide wireless services to connected clients. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt wireless communications. The specific software version mentioned suggests that this vulnerability was present in a particular release cycle of Cisco's wireless access point software, indicating that proper patch management and software updates are crucial for maintaining network security posture. Organizations using affected Cisco Access Point models should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, monitoring for unusual ARP traffic patterns, and applying the appropriate software patches as released by Cisco to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism relies on the device's insufficient validation of ARP packet headers and payload structures, which can cause memory corruption or execution flow disruption when malformed packets are received. This type of flaw typically occurs when developers do not adequately consider all possible input variations during the implementation phase, leading to scenarios where specific packet constructions can trigger unexpected device behavior. The fact that this vulnerability affects ARP processing specifically highlights the importance of validating all network protocol implementations, as ARP is a fundamental protocol used for network address resolution that is typically considered trustworthy. Attackers can craft ARP packets with specific byte patterns or lengths that cause the access point's ARP handling code to malfunction, resulting in the device entering an unstable state that requires a restart to recover. The vulnerability's classification as a remote denial of service attack means that an attacker located anywhere on the network can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in shared or public network environments. From a security controls perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the need for proper network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous ARP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The impact on wireless network operations can be significant as access point reloads can cause temporary loss of wireless connectivity for all devices connected to that access point, potentially affecting business operations or user productivity. This vulnerability also illustrates how embedded network devices often lack the robust error handling and input validation that would be expected in more sophisticated software systems, creating opportunities for attackers to leverage these weaknesses for service disruption.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate application of Cisco's security patches and software updates that address the ARP packet processing logic. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual ARP traffic patterns or malformed packets that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's presence in version 8.2(102.43) indicates that it was likely introduced in a specific code revision and subsequently fixed in later releases, making version control and patch management critical components of the security strategy. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules that limit ARP traffic between devices when possible, though this approach may impact legitimate network operations. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or techniques, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors including those with limited technical expertise. This accessibility combined with the potential for significant service disruption makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for mission-critical wireless networks. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to access point reload events that may be the result of this vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue aligns with industry standards for network infrastructure security and highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software across all network devices. Proper vulnerability management processes should include regular assessment of network equipment for known weaknesses and implementation of appropriate controls to minimize exposure to threats like this one. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive network security testing that includes evaluation of network protocol implementations rather than focusing solely on application-level security controls.