[c-nsp] Cisco Security Advisory: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

Cisco Systems Product Security Incident Response Team psirt at cisco.com
Wed Feb 4 11:41:40 EST 2009


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Cisco Security Advisory: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Cisco Wireless
LAN Controllers

Advisory ID: cisco-sa-20090204-wlc

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20090204-wlc.shtml

Revision 1.0

For Public Release 2009 February 04 1600 UTC (GMT)

Summary
=======

Multiple vulnerabilities exist in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
(WLCs), Cisco Catalyst 6500 Wireless Services Modules (WiSMs), and
Cisco Catalyst 3750 Integrated Wireless LAN Controllers. This security
advisory outlines details of the following vulnerabilities:

  * Denial of Service Vulnerabilities (total of three)
  * Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

These vulnerabilities are independent of each other.

Cisco has released free software updates that address these
vulnerabilities.

There are no workarounds available for these vulnerabilities.

This advisory is posted at
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20090204-wlc.shtml.

Affected Products
=================

Vulnerable Products
+------------------

The following products and software versions are affected for each
vulnerability.

Denial of Service Vulnerabilities
+--------------------------------

Two denial of service (DoS) vulnerabilities affect software versions
4.2 and later. All Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) platforms are
affected.

A third DoS vulnerability affects software versions 4.1 and later. The
following platforms are affected by this vulnerability:

  * Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
  * Cisco 4100 Series Wireless LAN Controllers
  * Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series/7600 Series Wireless Services Module
    (WiSM)
  * Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series Integrated Wireless LAN Controllers

    Note: The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Modules supported on Cisco
    2800 and 3800 series Integrated Services Routers are not vulnerable.
    The Cisco 2000 and 2100 Series Wireless LAN Controllers are also not
    affected by this vulnerability.

Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
+---------------------------------

Only WLC software version 4.2.173.0 is affected by this vulnerability.

Determination of Software Versions
+---------------------------------

To determine the WLC version that is running in a given environment, use
one of the following methods:

  * In the web interface, choose the Monitor tab, click Summary in
    the left pane, and note the Software Version.
  * From the command-line interface, type "show sysinfo" and note the
    Product Version, as shown in the following example:

        (Cisco Controller) >show sysinfo

        Manufacturer's Name.. Cisco Systems Inc.
        Product Name......... Cisco Controller
        Product Version...... 5.1.151.0
        RTOS Version......... Linux-2.6.10_mvl401
        Bootloader Version... 4.0.207.0
        Build Type........... DATA + WPS
        <output suppressed>

Use the "show wism module <module number> controller 1 status" command
on a Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series/7600 Series switch if using a WiSM, and
note the Software Version, as demonstrated in the following example:

    Router#show wism mod 3 controller 1 status

    WiSM Controller 1 in Slot 3
    Operational Status of the Controller
       : Oper-Up
    Service VLAN
       : 192
    Service Port
       : 10
    Service Port Mac Address
       : 0011.92ff.8742
    Service IP Address
       : 192.168.10.1
    Management IP Address
       : 192.168.1.123
    Software Version
       : 5.1.151.0
    Port Channel Number
       : 288
    Allowed vlan list
       : 30,40
    Native VLAN ID
       : 40
    WCP Keep Alive Missed
       : 0

Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
+--------------------------------

No other Cisco products are currently known to be affected by these
vulnerabilities.

Details
=======

Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), Cisco Catalyst 6500 Wireless
Services Modules (WiSMs), and Cisco Catalyst 3750 Integrated Wireless
LAN Controllers are responsible for system-wide wireless LAN functions,
such as security policies, intrusion prevention, RF management, quality
of service (QoS), and mobility.

These devices communicate with Controller-based Access Points over any
Layer 2 (Ethernet) or Layer 3 (IP) infrastructure using the Lightweight
Access Point Protocol (LWAPP).

This Security Advisory describes multiple distinct vulnerabilities in
the WLCs, WiSMs, and the Cisco Catalyst 3750 Integrated WLCs. These
vulnerabilities are independent of each other.

Denial of Service Vulnerabilities
+--------------------------------

These vulnerabilities are documented in the following Cisco Bug ID and
have been assigned the following Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures
(CVE) identifiers:

  * CSCsq44516 - CVE-2009-0058

    Web authentication is a Layer 3 security feature that causes the
    controller to drop IP traffic (except DHCP and DNS related packets)
    from a particular client until that client has correctly supplied
    a valid username and password. An attacker may use a vulnerability
    scanner to cause the device to stop servicing web authentication
    or cause a reload of the device. The following error messages may
    appear on the console during an active attack:

        SshPmStMain/pm_st_main.c:1954/
           ssh_pm_st_main_batch_addition_result:
           Failed to add rule to the engine:
           restoring old state
        SshEnginePmApiPm/engine_pm_api_pm.c:1896/
           ssh_pme_enable_policy_lookup:
           Could not allocate message

  * CSCsm82364 - CVE-2009-0059

    An attacker may cause a device reload when sending a malformed post
    to the web authentication "login.html" page. The following error
    messages may appear on the WLC console during this attack:

        Cisco Crash Handler
        Signal generated during a signal 11,
           count 193
        Memory 0x14ef1e44 has been freed!

    Note: A crash file is not generated during this attack.

  * CSCso60979 - CVE-2009-0061

    Affected Cisco WLC, WiSM and Catalyst 3750 Wireless LAN Controller
    models are vulnerable to a DoS condition that is triggered by the
    receipt of certain IP packets. Upon receiving these IP packets, the
    affected device may become unresponsive and require a reboot to
    recover.

    Note: This vulnerability affects software versions 4.1 and later in
    the Cisco 4400 series WLCs, Cisco Catalyst 6500 WiSM, and the Cisco
    Catalyst 3750 Integrated Wireless LAN Controllers. Cisco 4100, 2100,
    and 2000 series WLCs are not affected by this vulnerability.

Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
+---------------------------------

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists only in WLC software version
4.2.173.0, and could allow a restricted user (i.e., Lobby Admin) to gain
full administrative rights on the affected system.

Note: Wireless network users are not affected by this vulnerability.

This vulnerability is documented in Cisco Bug ID CSCsv62283 and has
been assigned the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier
CVE-2009-0062.

Vulnerability Scoring Details
+----------------------------

Cisco has provided scores for the vulnerabilities in this advisory based
on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). The CVSS scoring in
this Security Advisory is done in accordance with CVSS version 2.0.

CVSS is a standards-based scoring method that conveys vulnerability
severity and helps determine urgency and priority of response.

Cisco has provided a base and temporal score. Customers can then
compute environmental scores to assist in determining the impact of the
vulnerability in individual networks.

Cisco has provided an FAQ to answer additional questions regarding
CVSS at

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/cvss-qandas.html

Cisco has also provided a CVSS calculator to help compute the
environmental impact for individual networks at

http://intellishield.cisco.com/security/alertmanager/cvss

* Certain packets may cause WebAuth services to hang or reload the
device (CSCsq44516)

CVSS Base Score - 6.1
    Access Vector -            Adjacent Network
    Access Complexity -        Low
    Authentication -           None
    Confidentiality Impact -   None
    Integrity Impact -         None
    Availability Impact -      Complete

CVSS Temporal Score - 5.0
    Exploitability -           Functional
    Remediation Level -        Official-Fix
    Report Confidence -        Confirmed

* Crash handling invalid post for webauth (CSCsq44516)

CVSS Base Score - 6.1
    Access Vector -            Adjacent Network
    Access Complexity -        Low
    Authentication -           None
    Confidentiality Impact -   None
    Integrity Impact -         None
    Availability Impact -      Complete

CVSS Temporal Score - 5.0
    Exploitability -           Functional
    Remediation Level -        Official-Fix
    Report Confidence -        Confirmed

* WLC TSEC driver may hang or crash the device (CSCso60979)

CVSS Base Score - 7.8
    Access Vector -            Network
    Access Complexity -        Low
    Authentication -           None
    Confidentiality Impact -   None
    Integrity Impact -         None
    Availability Impact -      Complete

CVSS Temporal Score - 6.4
    Exploitability -           Functional
    Remediation Level -        Official-Fix
    Report Confidence -        Confirmed

* Local Management Users may obtain full admin rights (CSCsv62283)

CVSS Base Score - 9.0
    Access Vector -            Network
    Access Complexity -        Low
    Authentication -           Single
    Confidentiality Impact -   Complete
    Integrity Impact -         Complete
    Availability Impact -      Complete

CVSS Temporal Score - 7.8
    Exploitability -           Functional
    Remediation Level -        Official-Fix
    Report Confidence -        Confirmed

Impact
======

Successful exploitation of the denial of service vulnerabilities may
cause the affected device to hang or reload. Repeated exploitation
could result in a sustained DoS condition. The privilege escalation
vulnerability may allow an authenticated user to obtain full
administrative rights on the affected system.

Software Versions and Fixes
===========================

When considering software upgrades, also consult
http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt and any subsequent advisories to determine
exposure and a complete upgrade solution.

In all cases, customers should exercise caution to be certain the
devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and that current
hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported
properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, contact
the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or your contracted
maintenance provider for assistance.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Vulnerability | Affected | First      | Recommended |
| / Bug ID      | Release  | Fixed      | Release     |
|               |          | Version    |             |
|---------------+----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.1      | Migrate to | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |          | 4.2        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.2      | 4.2.173.0  | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.0      | Migrate to | 5.2.157.0   |
| CSCsq44516    |          | 5.2        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.1      | Contact    | Contact TAC |
|               |          | TAC        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.2      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | Vulnerable  |
|---------------+----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.1      | Migrate to | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |          | 4.2        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.2      | 4.2.112.0  | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
| CSCsm82364    | 5.0      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.1      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.2      | 5.2.157.0  | 5.2.157.0   |
|---------------+----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.1      | Migrate to | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |          | 4.2        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.2      | 4.2.117.0  | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.0      | Migrate to | 5.2.157.0   |
| CSCso60979    |          | 5.2        |             |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.1      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.2      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|---------------+----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.1      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 4.2      | 4.2.174.0  | 4.2.176.0   |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.0      | Not        | Not         |
| CSCsv62283    |          | Vulnerable | Vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.1      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | Vulnerable | vulnerable  |
|               |----------+------------+-------------|
|               | 5.2      | Not        | Not         |
|               |          | Vulnerable | vulnerable  |
+-----------------------------------------------------+

Note: Customers running 4.1M WLC mesh code, using Cisco Wireless 1510
Access Points (APs) are recommended to migrate to release 4.2.176.0.
Customers running 4.1 mesh code, using Cisco Wireless 1520 APs are
recommended to migrate to 5.2 or later.

Workarounds
===========

There are no workarounds for any of these vulnerabilities.

Obtaining Fixed Software
========================

Cisco has released free software updates that address these
vulnerabilities. Prior to deploying software, customers should consult
their maintenance provider or check the software for feature set
compatibility and known issues specific to their environment.

Customers may only install and expect support for the feature
sets they have purchased. By installing, downloading, accessing
or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to be
bound by the terms of Cisco's software license terms found at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/prod_warranties_item09186a008088e31f.html,
or as otherwise set forth at Cisco.com Downloads at
http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-usingswc.shtml.

Do not contact psirt at cisco.com or security-alert at cisco.com for software
upgrades.

Customers with Service Contracts
+-------------------------------

Customers with contracts should obtain upgraded software through their
regular update channels. For most customers, this means that upgrades
should be obtained through the Software Center on Cisco's worldwide
website at http://www.cisco.com.

Customers using Third Party Support Organizations
+------------------------------------------------

Customers whose Cisco products are provided or maintained through prior
or existing agreements with third-party support organizations, such
as Cisco Partners, authorized resellers, or service providers should
contact that support organization for guidance and assistance with the
appropriate course of action in regards to this advisory.

The effectiveness of any workaround or fix is dependent on specific
customer situations, such as product mix, network topology, traffic
behavior, and organizational mission. Due to the variety of affected
products and releases, customers should consult with their service
provider or support organization to ensure any applied workaround or fix
is the most appropriate for use in the intended network before it is
deployed.

Customers without Service Contracts
+----------------------------------

Customers who purchase direct from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service
contract, and customers who purchase through third-party vendors but are
unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale
should acquire upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance
Center (TAC). TAC contacts are as follows.

  * +1 800 553 2447 (toll free from within North America)
  * +1 408 526 7209 (toll call from anywhere in the world)
  * e-mail: tac at cisco.com

Customers should have their product serial number available and be
prepared to give the URL of this notice as evidence of entitlement to a
free upgrade. Free upgrades for non-contract customers must be requested
through the TAC.

Refer to http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html
for additional TAC contact information, including localized telephone
numbers, and instructions and e-mail addresses for use in various
languages.

Exploitation and Public Announcements
=====================================

The Cisco PSIRT is not aware of any public announcements or malicious
use of the vulnerabilities described in this advisory. These
vulnerabilities were found during internal testing and during the
resolution of customer support cases.

Status of this Notice: FINAL
============================

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY
ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE
INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS
AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS
DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.

A stand-alone copy or Paraphrase of the text of this document that omits
the distribution URL in the following section is an uncontrolled copy,
and may lack important information or contain factual errors.

Distribution
============

This advisory is posted on Cisco's worldwide website at :

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20090204-wlc.shtml

In addition to worldwide web posting, a text version of this notice is
clear-signed with the Cisco PSIRT PGP key and is posted to the following
e-mail and Usenet news recipients.

  * cust-security-announce at cisco.com
  * first-bulletins at lists.first.org
  * bugtraq at securityfocus.com
  * vulnwatch at vulnwatch.org
  * cisco at spot.colorado.edu
  * cisco-nsp at puck.nether.net
  * full-disclosure at lists.grok.org.uk
  * comp.dcom.sys.cisco at newsgate.cisco.com

Future updates of this advisory, if any, will be placed on Cisco's
worldwide website, but may or may not be actively announced on mailing
lists or newsgroups. Users concerned about this problem are encouraged
to check the above URL for any updates.

Revision History
================

+------------------------------------------------------------+
| Revision 1.0 | 2009-February-04 | Initial public release.  |
+------------------------------------------------------------+

Cisco Security Procedures
=========================

Complete information on reporting security vulnerabilities in Cisco
products, obtaining assistance with security incidents, and
registering to receive security information from Cisco, is available
on Cisco's worldwide website at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html.
This includes instructions for press inquiries regarding Cisco security
notices. All Cisco security advisories are available at
http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt.

+--------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 - 2009 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------

Updated: Feb 04, 2009                             Document ID: 108336
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