CVE-2017-3873: Input Validation

Published May 16, 2017
·
Updated

A vulnerability in the Plug-and-Play (PnP) subsystem of the Cisco Aironet 1800, 2800, and 3800 Series Access Points running a Lightweight Access Point (AP) or Mobility Express image could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of PnP server responses. The PnP feature is only active while the device does not contain a configuration, such as a first time boot or after a factory reset has been issued. An attacker with the ability to respond to PnP configuration requests from the affected device can exploit the vulnerability by returning malicious PnP responses. If a Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller - Enterprise Module (APIC-EM) is available on the network, the attacker would need to exploit the issue in the short window before a valid PnP response was received. If successful, the attacker could gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system of the device. Cisco has confirmed that the only vulnerable software version is 8.3.102.0. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvb42386.

Affected Software

10 affected components
Cisco Aironet Access Point Firmware=8.3_102.0
Cisco Aironet 1830e
Cisco Aironet 1830i
Cisco Aironet 1850e
Cisco Aironet 1850i
Cisco Aironet 2800e
Cisco Aironet 2800i
Cisco Aironet 3800e
Cisco Aironet 3800i
Cisco Aironet 3800p

Event History

May 16, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:00 PM
DescriptionWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2017-3873?

CVE-2017-3873 is rated as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for unauthorized access and execution of arbitrary code.

2

How do I fix CVE-2017-3873?

To fix CVE-2017-3873, update the Cisco Aironet access points to the latest firmware version that includes the patch.

3

What devices are affected by CVE-2017-3873?

CVE-2017-3873 affects Cisco Aironet 1800, 2800, and 3800 Series Access Points running the specific Lightweight Access Point or Mobility Express images.

4

Can CVE-2017-3873 be exploited remotely?

No, CVE-2017-3873 requires an adjacent attacker, meaning that the attacker must be physically near the vulnerable device to exploit it.

5

What are the implications of exploiting CVE-2017-3873?

Exploiting CVE-2017-3873 could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially compromising the entire access point.

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