CVE-2018-5795 in Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG 5.x before 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.x before 5.9.1.3. There is Arbitrary File Write from the WebGUI on the WiNG Access Point / Controller.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5795 represents a critical arbitrary file write flaw within Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG access point and controller software versions prior to 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.1.3. This vulnerability exists within the web graphical user interface component of the WiNG software stack, which is widely deployed in enterprise wireless networking environments. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with access to the web management interface to write arbitrary files to the system filesystem, potentially enabling complete system compromise and unauthorized persistence within the network infrastructure.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and represents a classic privilege escalation vector that can be exploited through the web administration interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload and configuration management functions of the web GUI. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to write malicious files to critical system directories, potentially including the web root, configuration directories, or system binaries, thereby enabling remote code execution and persistent access to the wireless infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on Extreme Networks wireless infrastructure, as it can lead to complete compromise of the wireless access point or controller. An authenticated attacker with web GUI credentials can manipulate the system to write files to arbitrary locations, potentially installing backdoors, modifying system configurations, or deploying malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate administrative access to achieve unauthorized system modifications. The compromise of wireless controllers can result in network-wide disruption, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to wireless networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched versions 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.1.3, which address the path traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and access control enforcement. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced for web GUI access, limiting administrative credentials to only necessary personnel. Regular security assessments and monitoring of web application logs for suspicious file write activities should be implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches in network infrastructure devices, as unpatched access points and controllers represent significant attack vectors for lateral movement and persistent access within enterprise environments.