CVE-2018-5797 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 an Smint_encrypt Hardcoded AES Key that can be used for packet decryption (obtaining cleartext credentials) by an attacker who has access to a wired port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5797 represents a critical security flaw in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG software versions prior to 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.1.3. This issue stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic functions within the wireless access point firmware, specifically involving the Smint_encrypt algorithm that utilizes a hardcoded AES key. The flaw exposes the system to unauthorized decryption of network traffic, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on Extreme Wireless infrastructure for their network operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded AES encryption key embedded within the Smint_encrypt function of the wireless controller software. This hardcoded key serves as a critical weakness that allows attackers with physical or network access to wired ports to decrypt captured network packets. The vulnerability specifically affects the WiNG 5.x software series where the encryption implementation fails to properly randomize or generate unique keys for each session, instead relying on a static cryptographic key that remains unchanged across deployments. This design flaw directly violates fundamental cryptographic best practices and creates an inherent weakness that can be exploited without requiring advanced cracking techniques or significant computational resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it enables attackers with access to wired network ports to obtain cleartext credentials and sensitive information transmitted over the wireless network. The attack vector requires only physical or network access to a wired port, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wired port access is not properly secured or monitored. The ability to decrypt network traffic in real-time allows adversaries to capture authentication credentials, session information, and potentially other sensitive data transmitted between wireless clients and the access points. This vulnerability creates a direct pathway for credential theft and session hijacking attacks that can compromise the entire wireless network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-320, which covers the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions of the WiNG software, implementing network segmentation to restrict wired port access, and monitoring for unauthorized network access attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1046, Network Service Scanning, and T1566, Phishing, as attackers may use this weakness to establish persistent access and move laterally within the network. Additional security measures should include implementing network access control lists, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual traffic patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar hardcoded cryptographic weaknesses in other network components.