Cisco Wireless LAN Controller software contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass security restrictions. Updates are available.
Description
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) software contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass security restrictions.
The vulnerability is due to errors in the enforcement of access control lists (ACLs). An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to protected networks or devices.
Cisco has confirmed this vulnerability in a security advisory and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
Devices running the following versions of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller are vulnerable:
Versions prior to 4.2.209.0
Versions prior to 4.2.207.54M
All 5.0 versions
All 5.1 versions
Versions prior to 6.0.188.0
IntelliShield Analysis
An exploit could allow wireless clients to bypass security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to the device or other networks. As a result, the attacker could access sensitive information or use the additional access to mount further attacks.
Cisco indicates through the CVSS score that functional exploit code exists; however, the code is not known to be publicly available.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security protections and gain unauthorized access to restricted networks.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to errors in the application of CPU ACLs that are defined in the web-based management interface of the Cisco WLC software. Policies may not be properly enforced, allowing an unauthenticated, remote attacker to reach network segments or devices that are explicitly blocked by the CPU ACLs. As a result, the attacker could bypass the security restrictions and gain unauthorized access.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the available software updates.
Administrators are advised to restrict access to affected systems.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created the following companion document to guide administrators in identifying and mitigating attempts to exploit this vulnerability prior to applying updated software: cisco-amb-20100908-wlc
Patches/Software
Cisco customers with active contracts can obtain updates through the Software Center at the following link: Cisco. Cisco customers without contracts can obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-553-2447 or 1-408-526-7209 or via e-mail at tac@cisco.com.
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