Introduction
Attackers who know a static cryptographic key can forge administrator tokens and take over enterprise Wi-Fi management systems. In environments like hospitals, schools, and public venues, this could mean complete compromise of wireless infrastructure and user data.
RUCKUS Networks is a major provider of enterprise wireless networking solutions, now owned by CommScope. Their products are deployed globally in high-density and mission-critical environments, supporting thousands of access points and hundreds of thousands of users per deployment. RUCKUS Network Director (RND) is their centralized management platform for large-scale Wi-Fi deployments. The security of this platform is essential for the integrity of managed networks.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-44963 is a critical authentication bypass in RUCKUS Network Director (RND) before version 4.5. The vulnerability results from a hardcoded cryptographic secret key used to sign JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) for administrator authentication. This static secret is embedded in the backend application code, making it identical across all installations.
Attackers who obtain this secret (for example, by reverse engineering the application or analyzing leaked code) can generate valid JWTs granting themselves administrator privileges. These forged tokens are accepted by RND as legitimate, bypassing all standard authentication controls. The attacker only needs network access to the RND management interface and knowledge of the hardcoded key. Once authenticated, they have unrestricted administrative access to the device.
The root cause is the use of a static, hardcoded secret for JWT signing, violating cryptographic best practices and creating a single point of failure across all deployments. No public code snippets are available, but the mechanism is confirmed in multiple advisories and research reports. The vulnerability affects all RND installations prior to version 4.5, regardless of configuration.
Patch Information
CommScope has addressed critical vulnerabilities in RUCKUS SmartZone (SZ) and RUCKUS Network Director (RND) by releasing specific patches and updates. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could allow remote, unauthenticated attackers to gain shell access to affected devices.
Network Director (RND):
- Version 3.0: Released on July 15, 2025.
- Version 4.0: Released on July 18, 2025.
- Version 4.5: Released on July 21, 2025.
SmartZone (SZ):
- Version 6.1.2: Apply the KSP (SecurityFix_6_1_2_487-15389-v1_0c5006774d7.ksp) released on July 15, 2025.
- Version 7.1: Apply the KSP (SecurityFix_7_1_0_0_586-15389-v1_1141f30a5b6.ksp) released on July 18, 2025.
- Version 5.2.2: Apply the KSP (SecurityFix_5_2_2_0_1563-15389-v1_866974.ksp) released on July 21, 2025.
- Version 5.2.1.3: Apply the KSP (SecurityFix_5_2_1_3_1563-15389-v1_866985.ksp) released on July 23, 2025.
For those using version 6.1.2, a refreshed build (6.1.2p3) incorporating the security fixes was made available on July 25, 2025.
It's crucial to apply these patches promptly to mitigate potential security risks. If you have previously applied a KSP, consult RUCKUS support to prevent possible conflicts.
Reference: RUCKUS Security Advisory
Detection Methods
Detecting exploitation of CVE-2025-44963, which involves the use of a hard-coded cryptographic key in Ruckus Networks' Virtual SmartZone, requires a multifaceted approach. (claroty.com)
Monitoring for Unauthorized JWTs:
Since the vulnerability allows attackers to generate valid JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) using the hard-coded secret key, it's crucial to monitor for JWTs that deviate from expected patterns. Implementing logging mechanisms to capture and analyze JWTs can help identify anomalies, such as tokens issued outside of standard authentication workflows or with unusual claims.
Analyzing Access Logs for Irregularities:
Regularly reviewing access logs can reveal unauthorized access attempts. Look for:
- Unusual IP Addresses: Access from IPs not typically associated with administrative functions.
- Odd Access Times: Administrative access occurring at unusual hours.
- Unexpected User Agents: Access using user agents that differ from those used by legitimate administrators.
Implementing Behavioral Analytics:
Deploying behavioral analytics tools can help detect deviations from normal user behavior. These tools can flag activities such as:
- Rapid Access Patterns: Multiple administrative actions performed in quick succession.
- Configuration Changes: Unauthorized modifications to system configurations.
- Data Exfiltration: Large data transfers that are atypical for administrative users.
Utilizing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS):
Configuring IDS to detect patterns indicative of JWT exploitation can provide real-time alerts. This includes monitoring for:
- Repeated Failed Authentication Attempts: Indicative of brute-force attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
- Known Exploit Signatures: Patterns matching known methods of exploiting hard-coded keys.
Regular Security Audits:
Conducting periodic security audits can help identify potential exploitation of the vulnerability. Audits should focus on:
- Reviewing Codebases: Ensuring no hard-coded keys are present.
- Assessing Access Controls: Verifying that only authorized personnel have administrative access.
- Evaluating Patch Management: Confirming that all systems are updated with the latest security patches.
Reference: Claroty Team82 Dashboard
Affected Systems and Versions
- RUCKUS Network Director (RND) versions prior to 4.5 are vulnerable.
- All configurations of RND before version 4.5 are affected.
- SmartZone (SZ) platforms require specific KSP patches depending on version (see Patch Information section).
Vendor Security History
RUCKUS Networks has previously faced critical vulnerabilities in its management platforms, including hardcoded credentials and unauthenticated remote code execution flaws. The vendor's response to recent disclosures has been criticized for lack of timely communication and delayed patch releases, raising concerns about their secure development lifecycle and vulnerability management maturity.