CVE-2017-13086 in WPA2
Summary
by MITRE
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) allows reinstallation of the Tunneled Direct-Link Setup (TDLS) Peer Key (TPK) during the TDLS handshake, allowing an attacker within radio range to replay, decrypt, or spoof frames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13086 represents a critical weakness in the Wi-Fi Protected Access security framework that affects both WPA and WPA2 implementations. This flaw specifically targets the Tunneled Direct-Link Setup protocol which enables direct device-to-device communication while maintaining network security through encrypted channels. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the TDLS handshake process where the system fails to properly validate or track the installation of peer keys, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the protocol's cryptographic mechanisms.
The technical implementation flaw occurs during the TDLS handshake sequence where the system should enforce proper key installation validation but instead allows for potential reinstallation of the Tunneled Peer Key. This weakness enables attackers within radio range to manipulate the wireless communication flow by replaying previously valid frames, decrypting protected communications, or spoofing legitimate network traffic. The vulnerability specifically affects the cryptographic integrity of TDLS connections, which are designed to provide secure direct communication between wireless devices while maintaining the overall network security posture. The flaw resides in the lack of proper state tracking and key validation mechanisms that should prevent the reuse of previously established cryptographic keys during the TDLS negotiation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network disruption to encompass serious data confidentiality and integrity breaches. An attacker capable of exploiting this weakness can effectively decrypt wireless communications between devices, potentially gaining access to sensitive information transmitted over the wireless network. The ability to replay frames allows for man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept, modify, or inject data into the communication stream. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise wireless networks where TDLS is commonly implemented for performance optimization, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on secure wireless communications. The attack vector requires only proximity to the wireless network, making it accessible to attackers in physical locations where wireless access points are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13086 should focus on immediate firmware updates from wireless equipment vendors, as the vulnerability requires changes at the protocol implementation level. Network administrators should disable TDLS functionality where possible, particularly in environments where wireless security is paramount. The implementation of additional monitoring systems can help detect anomalous TDLS behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and enhanced intrusion detection measures to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-310 as it involves cryptographic weaknesses in key management, while ATT&CK framework references this as a wireless protocol exploitation technique under the network denial of service category. Regular security assessments and wireless network audits should be conducted to ensure proper implementation of wireless security controls and to verify that all devices have been updated to address this vulnerability.