CVE-2018-5796 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 a Hidden Root Shell by entering the administrator password in conjunction with the 'service start-shell' CLI command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-5796 represents a critical security flaw in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG software versions 5.x prior to 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.x prior to 5.9.1.3. This issue manifests as a hidden root shell access mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures, allowing unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges within the wireless network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically exploits a command-line interface feature that was intended for legitimate administrative purposes but was improperly secured, creating a backdoor access path that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the 'service start-shell' CLI command, which when executed with administrator credentials, provides access to a hidden root shell environment. This represents a classic case of insecure command execution and privilege escalation, where legitimate administrative tools are repurposed to create unauthorized access pathways. The flaw demonstrates poor security design principles where administrative functions were not properly isolated or secured against unauthorized usage. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command) as it allows unauthorized command execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it enables both command execution and privilege elevation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5796 is severe for organizations relying on Extreme Networks wireless infrastructure, as it provides attackers with root-level access to the entire wireless management system. This access enables comprehensive network compromise including the ability to modify wireless configurations, intercept network traffic, create unauthorized access points, and potentially pivot to other network segments. The hidden nature of this shell means that detection is particularly challenging, as it operates outside normal monitoring and logging procedures. Organizations using affected versions may experience complete loss of wireless network security, with attackers able to manipulate authentication mechanisms, modify access control policies, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within their wireless infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate wireless access but also the underlying network management systems that control the entire wireless deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5796 require immediate patching of affected Extreme Networks WiNG software versions to the recommended secure releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to wireless management interfaces and establish strict access controls for administrative accounts. The use of network monitoring tools specifically designed to detect unauthorized CLI command execution and shell access attempts should be deployed. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive audits of wireless infrastructure configurations and implement proper logging and monitoring of administrative activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to wireless management interfaces from unauthorized networks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative interfaces to prevent similar issues from occurring in other network infrastructure components.