CVE-2016-9196 in Aironet 1800
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in login authentication management in Cisco Aironet 1800, 2800, and 3800 Series Access Point platforms could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain unrestricted root access to the underlying Linux operating system. The root Linux shell is provided for advanced troubleshooting and should not be available to individual users, even those with root privileges. The attacker must have the root password to exploit this vulnerability. More Information: CSCvb13893. Known Affected Releases: 8.2(121.0) 8.3(102.0). Known Fixed Releases: 8.4(1.53) 8.4(1.52) 8.3(111.0) 8.3(104.23) 8.2(130.0) 8.2(124.1).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Cisco Aironet access point platforms that demonstrates a fundamental failure in authentication management controls. The issue affects the 1800, 2800, and 3800 Series Access Point platforms and specifically targets the login authentication management system, creating a scenario where an authenticated local attacker with root credentials can bypass normal security boundaries to achieve unrestricted root access to the underlying Linux operating system. The vulnerability exploits a design flaw where the root Linux shell, which should remain restricted for advanced troubleshooting purposes only, becomes accessible to any individual possessing the root password, effectively eliminating the intended security controls that separate administrative access from user access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the authentication framework of the affected Cisco platforms. The flaw allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to escalate their privileges beyond what should be permitted, essentially creating a backdoor path that circumvents normal operating system security controls. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation where the system fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the operating system level, meaning that once exploited, the attacker gains complete control over the device's underlying Linux environment including access to all system files, network interfaces, and potentially other connected systems.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Cisco Aironet access points for wireless network infrastructure. The ability to achieve unrestricted root access means that an attacker could modify system configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, or use the compromised access point as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects multiple software releases including versions 8.2(121.0), 8.3(102.0) and their respective fixed versions, indicating that this was a widespread issue affecting various product lines. Organizations with these vulnerable devices face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats, insider attacks, or compromised credentials that could lead to complete network infiltration.
The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader network security concerns that align with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the privilege escalation and persistence domains. This vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack where initial access is gained through other means, and this privilege escalation vulnerability is then used to establish more persistent access or move laterally within the network. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of such compromises, along with monitoring for unusual system access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper access control configuration and the need for regular security updates as demonstrated by the availability of specific fixed releases including 8.4(1.53), 8.4(1.52), 8.3(111.0), 8.3(104.23), 8.2(130.0), and 8.2(124.1) that address this specific flaw. The incident underscores the necessity for comprehensive security assessments of network infrastructure components and proper vulnerability management processes to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws.