CVE-2014-2071 in ClearPass Policy Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager 6.1.x, 6.2.x before 6.2.5.61640 and 6.3.x before 6.3.0.61712, when configured to use tunneled and non-tunneled EAP methods in a single policy construct, allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges by advertising independent inner and outer identities within a tunneled EAP method.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2071 affects Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.1.x through 6.3.x prior to specific patch releases. This issue resides in the authentication handling mechanism of the policy manager when processing EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) methods, specifically within the context of tunneled and non-tunneled EAP configurations. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit a weakness in identity validation processes that occurs when multiple EAP methods are combined within a single policy construct. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of identity information during EAP tunneling operations, creating a potential privilege escalation vector through manipulation of inner and outer identity parameters.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of identity attributes when processing EAP tunneling scenarios. When ClearPass Policy Manager encounters a policy that combines both tunneled and non-tunneled EAP methods, the system fails to properly enforce identity consistency checks between the outer and inner authentication layers. This allows an authenticated user to craft EAP packets that present different identities for the outer and inner authentication phases, effectively bypassing intended access controls. The flaw operates at the protocol processing level where EAP identity information is parsed and validated, creating a scenario where the system accepts inconsistent identity assertions without proper verification. This behavior aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control enforcement during authentication processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential unauthorized access to network resources and services protected by the affected ClearPass Policy Manager. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges within the network authentication system, potentially allowing access to restricted network segments, administrative functions, or other protected resources. The attack requires only authenticated access to the network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network access is granted to multiple users. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on complex authentication policies combining multiple EAP methods, which is common in enterprise environments with diverse network access requirements and security policies. The impact is particularly severe because it can enable lateral movement within the network and potentially provide access to sensitive systems that would normally be protected by more restrictive authentication controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.2.5.61640 and 6.3.0.61712, which address the identity validation flaw. Network administrators should also review and simplify authentication policies to avoid combining tunneled and non-tunneled EAP methods within the same policy construct where possible. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or identity assertions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper identity validation in authentication systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1550.001 Use of Valid Credentials, as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate authentication sessions to escalate privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, lateral movement is restricted. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their authentication infrastructure to identify similar issues in other network access control systems that might be susceptible to similar identity manipulation attacks.