CVE-2020-26141 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in the ALFA Windows 10 driver 6.1316.1209 for AWUS036H. The Wi-Fi implementation does not verify the Message Integrity Check (authenticity) of fragmented TKIP frames, potentially allowing packet injection and decryption in WPA or WPA2 networks supporting TKIP.

Understanding CVE-2020-26141

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the ALFA Windows 10 driver that could be exploited by an attacker to inject and decrypt packets in certain Wi-Fi networks.

What is CVE-2020-26141?

The vulnerability in the ALFA Windows 10 driver allows for the abuse of fragmented TKIP frames, enabling unauthorized packet injection and potential decryption within vulnerable networks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26141

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information transmitted over affected Wi-Fi networks, compromising data confidentiality and network security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26141

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the failure of the Wi-Fi implementation to verify the Message Integrity Check of fragmented TKIP frames, creating a security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ALFA Windows 10 driver 6.1316.1209 for AWUS036H
Vendor: ALFA
Versions: Not specified

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows an adversary to inject and potentially decrypt packets in WPA or WPA2 networks that support the TKIP data-confidentiality protocol.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-26141 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable TKIP support in Wi-Fi networks if possible
Implement WPA3 security protocols
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Wi-Fi drivers and firmware
Conduct security audits and penetration testing on Wi-Fi networks
Educate users on secure Wi-Fi practices

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by ALFA for the affected driver
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from relevant vendors