CVE-2023-52424
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an SSID confusion vulnerability in the IEEE 802.11 WiFi standard that allows attackers to trick devices into connecting to malicious networks. It affects multiple WiFi security protocols including WPA3, WEP, and enterprise 802.1X/EAP. Both client devices and access points implementing affected protocols are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- All devices implementing IEEE 802.11 WiFi standards with affected security protocols
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could intercept all network traffic, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, steal credentials, and deploy malware on connected devices by impersonating legitimate networks.
Likely Case
Attackers in proximity could redirect devices to rogue access points to capture sensitive data, particularly in public WiFi environments.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and monitoring, impact is limited to potential credential exposure on affected WiFi segments.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires specialized WiFi hardware and proximity to target networks. Research papers demonstrate practical attacks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: N/A
Vendor Advisory: https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/press-releases
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Monitor vendor updates for firmware/software patches. This is a protocol-level vulnerability requiring standards body updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Use certificate-based authentication
allImplement certificate-based authentication for enterprise networks to add additional verification layer
Enable network validation
allConfigure devices to validate network certificates and use trusted certificate authorities
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of sensitive systems
- Use VPNs for all sensitive communications over WiFi networks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if devices use affected WiFi security protocols: WEP, WPA3 SAE-loop, Enterprise 802.1X/EAP, Mesh AMPE, or FILSCheck Version:
Check WiFi adapter/driver version and security protocol configurationVerify Fix Applied:
Monitor for vendor firmware/software updates addressing SSID confusion vulnerability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple connection attempts to same SSID with different BSSIDs
- Unexpected network switching events
Network Indicators:
- Rogue access points broadcasting legitimate SSIDs
- Unusual MAC address patterns in WiFi traffic
SIEM Query:
Search for WiFi connection events where SSID remains constant but BSSID changes frequently🔗 References
- https://mentor.ieee.org/802.11/dcn/24/11-24-0938-03-000m-protect-ssid-in-4-way-handshake.docx
- https://www.top10vpn.com/assets/2024/05/Top10VPN-x-Vanhoef-SSID-Confusion.pdf
- https://www.top10vpn.com/research/wifi-vulnerability-ssid/
- https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/press-releases
- https://mentor.ieee.org/802.11/dcn/24/11-24-0938-03-000m-protect-ssid-in-4-way-handshake.docx
- https://www.top10vpn.com/assets/2024/05/Top10VPN-x-Vanhoef-SSID-Confusion.pdf
- https://www.top10vpn.com/research/wifi-vulnerability-ssid/
- https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/press-releases
