CVE-2021-4474: Ruckus AP File Read Vulnerability

CVE-2021-4474 Overview

CVE-2021-4474 is an arbitrary file read vulnerability affecting Ruckus Access Point products. The vulnerability exists in the command-line interface (CLI) and allows authenticated remote attackers with administrative privileges to read arbitrary files from the underlying filesystem. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information including configuration files, credentials, and system data stored on the device.

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-552 (Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties), indicating that the affected system exposes files that should be restricted from unauthorized access.

Critical Impact

Authenticated administrators can read arbitrary files from Ruckus Access Point devices, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, stored credentials, and system information that could facilitate further attacks on the network infrastructure.

Affected Products

• Ruckus Access Point products (CLI component)
• Ruckus Wireless networking devices with vulnerable firmware versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-26 - CVE-2021-4474 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2021-4474

Vulnerability Analysis

This arbitrary file read vulnerability resides in the command-line interface of Ruckus Access Point products. The flaw allows attackers who have already obtained administrative credentials to bypass normal file access restrictions and read arbitrary files from the device's filesystem.

While the vulnerability requires prior authentication with administrative privileges, it still represents a significant security concern in enterprise network environments. An attacker who has compromised administrative credentials through phishing, credential stuffing, or other means can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data that would otherwise be protected.

The vulnerability enables access to critical system files including configuration backups, wireless network credentials, RADIUS secrets, certificates, and other sensitive information stored on the access point. This information disclosure could serve as a stepping stone for lateral movement within the network or for compromising connected client devices.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2021-4474 is improper access control within the CLI file handling routines. The CLI fails to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs, allowing authenticated administrators to specify paths outside of intended directories. This lack of proper input validation and path restriction enables directory traversal techniques to access arbitrary files on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network by an authenticated user with administrative privileges accessing the device's CLI. The attacker can craft malicious file path inputs to traverse the filesystem and read sensitive files that should not be accessible through the management interface.

The exploitation requires:

1. Network access to the Ruckus Access Point CLI (SSH or console)
2. Valid administrative credentials
3. Crafted file path inputs to access restricted files

Due to the network-based attack vector combined with low attack complexity, the vulnerability can be exploited remotely once valid credentials are obtained. The attacker gains unauthorized read access to confidential information on the device filesystem.

Detection Methods for CVE-2021-4474

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual CLI login activity from unexpected IP addresses or during non-business hours
• Repeated file read operations targeting sensitive system paths such as /etc/passwd, configuration directories, or credential storage locations
• Admin sessions with abnormal command patterns suggesting filesystem enumeration
• Log entries showing access attempts to files outside normal administrative scope

Detection Strategies

• Monitor CLI authentication logs for anomalous login patterns and failed authentication attempts that may indicate credential compromise
• Implement command logging on Ruckus Access Points to capture and analyze CLI commands for suspicious file read operations
• Deploy network-based intrusion detection signatures to identify directory traversal patterns in management traffic
• Correlate access point management logs with SIEM systems to detect unusual administrative activity

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on all Ruckus Access Point management interfaces
• Configure alerting for CLI sessions from untrusted or unexpected source IP addresses
• Establish baselines for normal administrative CLI usage and alert on deviations
• Review access point logs regularly for signs of unauthorized file access attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2021-4474

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest firmware updates from Ruckus Wireless that address this vulnerability
• Audit and rotate administrative credentials for all affected Ruckus Access Point devices
• Restrict CLI access to trusted management networks using network segmentation and access control lists
• Review access logs for signs of prior exploitation

Patch Information

Ruckus Wireless has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the Ruckus Wireless Security Bulletin for specific patch versions and upgrade instructions. Additional technical details are available in the VulnCheck Ruckus Advisory.

It is strongly recommended to update all affected Ruckus Access Point devices to the latest available firmware version that contains the security fix.

Workarounds

• Restrict CLI access to a dedicated management VLAN isolated from general network traffic
• Implement strict IP-based access control lists limiting which hosts can reach the device CLI
• Use multi-factor authentication where supported for administrative access
• Monitor and alert on all administrative CLI sessions until patches can be applied
• Consider temporarily disabling remote CLI access if not operationally required, limiting management to local console access only