CVE-2014-2592 in Web Management Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Aruba Web Management portal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The CVE-2014-2592 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Aruba Web Management portal that exposes organizations to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability resides within the web application's file upload functionality, where proper input validation and file type restrictions are absent or insufficiently implemented. The flaw enables malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the target system, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file extensions and content within the web management interface. When users attempt to upload files through the portal, the system fails to properly verify whether the uploaded files contain executable extensions such as .exe, .bat, .jsp, .asp, or other potentially dangerous formats. This lack of proper sanitization allows attackers to upload malicious payloads that can be executed within the context of the web server, effectively granting them arbitrary code execution capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload scenarios where applications accept files without proper validation, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can leverage this foothold to establish reverse shells, deploy additional malware, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The Aruba Web Management portal typically serves as a critical interface for network administrators to configure and manage wireless infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with access to core network management functions. This compromise can lead to complete network takeover, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical services.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including strict file type validation, implementing Content Security Policies, and restricting file upload functionality to authenticated users only. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to reject files with executable extensions and implementing proper file content verification mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities. Security patches from Aruba should be applied immediately, and the system should be reconfigured to eliminate unnecessary file upload capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that web applications must never trust user-supplied data without proper sanitization and validation processes.