#VU21420 Input validation error in wpa_supplicant and hostapd - CVE-2019-16275

Vulnerability identifier: #VU21420

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 4.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-16275

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Local network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
wpa_supplicant
Server applications / Encryption software
hostapd
Server applications / Remote access servers, VPN

Vendor: Jouni Malinen

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform a denial of service (DoS) attack.

The vulnerability exists due to the affected software allows an incorrect indication of disconnection in certain situations because source address validation is mishandled. A remote attacker in radio range of the access point can send a specially crafted 802.11 frame and cause a denial of service condition on target system.

Mitigation
Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

wpa_supplicant: 2.0 - 2.9

hostapd: 2.0 - 2.9

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External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/09/12/6
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/09/msg00017.html
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4136-1/
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4136-2/
https://w1.fi/security/2019-7/
https://w1.fi/security/2019-7/ap-mode-pmf-disconnection-protection-bypass.txt
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/09/11/7

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the local network (LAN).

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.