CVE-2023-52161 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2024
The Access Point functionality in eapol_auth_key_handle in eapol.c in iNet wireless daemon (IWD) before 2.14 allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to a protected Wi-Fi network. An attacker can complete the EAPOL handshake by skipping Msg2/4 and instead sending Msg4/4 with an all-zero key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52161 resides within the eapol_auth_key_handle function in the eapol.c file of the iNet wireless daemon IWD version 2.14 and earlier. This flaw specifically affects the access point functionality of the wireless daemon, creating a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of Wi-Fi network protection mechanisms. The issue stems from improper validation of the EAPOL (Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN) handshake process, which is fundamental to establishing secure wireless connections. When an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the authentication flow to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected wireless networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a deliberate bypass of the standard EAPOL handshake sequence. Normally, the EAPOL handshake requires four messages to establish secure authentication between a wireless client and access point. However, the flaw allows attackers to skip the second and fourth messages in the sequence and instead transmit a malformed message four (Msg4/4) containing all-zero key material. This manipulation exploits a weakness in the authentication state machine where the system fails to properly validate the sequence and content of handshake messages. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-290 authentication bypass, specifically involving improper validation of EAPOL handshake components. This type of flaw represents a critical failure in cryptographic protocol implementation where the security model relies on message ordering and integrity checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52161 extends beyond simple unauthorized network access, creating potential for broader security breaches within wireless environments. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can effectively impersonate legitimate network users and potentially gain access to network resources, sensitive data, and other connected systems. The attack vector requires the attacker to be within wireless range of the target network, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and residential environments where unauthorized access could lead to data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, or lateral movement within network segments. This vulnerability directly violates the principles outlined in the NIST SP 800-46 standard for wireless security, specifically targeting the integrity requirements of EAP authentication protocols. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1484.001 for Domain Policy Modification, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify wireless network policies and access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52161 primarily involve upgrading to IWD version 2.14 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly validate EAPOL handshake sequences and prevent the bypass of authentication messages. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous authentication patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic protocol implementation and validates the need for comprehensive testing of authentication flows, particularly as outlined in ISO/IEC 14443 standards for wireless security protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar implementation weaknesses in wireless infrastructure components.