Vulnerability in wpa package - Security Update
Summary
DLA-473-1: wpa - security update. Affects wpa versions < 1.0-3+deb7u4. Fixed in 1.0-3+deb7u4. How to fix ↓
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Background
The wpa package is a software suite that provides support for the WPA and WPA2 security protocols in wireless networks. It includes the hostapd daemon, which is responsible for authenticating clients, and the wpa_supplicant utility, which allows clients to connect to wireless networks. These components are commonly used in Linux distributions for managing Wi-Fi connections. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in how hostapd and wpa_supplicant handle configuration file updates for the WPA/WPA2 passphrase parameter.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2016-4476 and CVE-2016-4477) arises from a failure to properly handle control characters in the passphrase parameter. If an attacker includes control characters in the passphrase parameter through a WPS operation or local configuration change, it can result in a denial of service (daemon outage) or allow the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the wpa_supplicant process. This vulnerability affects hostapd versions 0.6.7 through 2.5 and wpa_supplicant versions 0.4.0 through 2.5.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.0-3+deb7u4
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade wpaTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wpa package is vulnerable to a denial of service and arbitrary code execution issue due to improper handling of control characters in the passphrase parameter. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to version 1.0-3+deb7u4 or later. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for wpa →
FAQ
The vulnerability can result in a denial of service, causing the hostapd and wpa_supplicant processes to stop functioning. Additionally, in the case of wpa_supplicant, it may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the wpa_supplicant process.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
There are no known public exploits for this vulnerability at the time of this report. However, it is important to apply the recommended security update to mitigate the risk.
Yes, the vulnerability can be exploited remotely if an attacker can send a crafted WPS operation to the affected hostapd or wpa_supplicant instance.
There is no evidence of active exploitation of this vulnerability at the time of this report. However, it is still crucial to apply the security update to protect against potential future attacks.
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