CVE-2021-26093 in FortiWLC
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
An access of uninitialized pointer (CWE-824) vulnerability in FortiWLC versions 8.6.0, 8.5.3 and earlier may allow a local and authenticated attacker to crash the access point being managed by the controller by executing a crafted CLI command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-26093 represents a critical access of uninitialized pointer flaw classified under CWE-824 within FortiWLC software versions 8.6.0 and 8.5.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the wireless access point management functionality of Fortinet's FortiWLC platform, which serves as a centralized controller for managing wireless access points in enterprise networks. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes crafted command line interface commands, creating a scenario where memory pointers are accessed without proper initialization, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the command processing subsystem of the FortiWLC controller. When an authenticated local attacker executes a specifically crafted CLI command, the system attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized, resulting in a memory access violation. This uninitialized pointer dereference creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system crash, depending on the specific memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication, meaning that an attacker with legitimate access credentials could exploit this flaw to disrupt wireless network operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, potentially enabling an attacker to gain broader system control or cause denial of service conditions that could impact enterprise wireless infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can severely compromise wireless network availability and integrity within enterprise environments. Organizations relying on FortiWLC for wireless network management face potential disruptions to their wireless services, which could affect business operations, employee productivity, and customer access to wireless services. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate access point being managed but could potentially impact the entire wireless network infrastructure managed by the compromised controller. Network administrators may experience unexpected service interruptions, requiring emergency maintenance and potential system recovery procedures. The localized nature of the attack means that compromise of a single controller could cascade across multiple access points under its management, creating widespread disruption. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance and security auditing, as it could be exploited to create denial of service conditions that violate service level agreements and security policies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-26093 should prioritize immediate patching of affected FortiWLC versions to the latest available releases that contain memory management fixes. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit local authentication access to only authorized personnel, reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual CLI command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability specifically targets command line interface functionality. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected FortiWLC versions within their network infrastructure and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect system crashes or abnormal behavior patterns in wireless access point management systems provides early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the Fortinet security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and the need for thorough security testing of command processing functions in enterprise network management systems.