CVE-2014-5342 in ClearPass
Summary
by MITRE
Aruba Networks ClearPass before 6.3.5 and 6.4.x before 6.4.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-6627.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5342 affects Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager software versions prior to 6.3.5 and 6.4.x versions before 6.4.1. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables unauthorized attackers to gain arbitrary command execution capabilities on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from unspecified attack vectors that were distinct from the related CVE-2014-6627, indicating a separate code path or implementation flaw within the ClearPass platform. ClearPass Policy Manager serves as a centralized identity and access management solution that handles authentication, authorization, and accounting functions for network access control environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to compromise entire network access control infrastructures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves improper input validation or sanitization mechanisms within the ClearPass Policy Manager software. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without requiring authentication credentials, leveraging the unspecified vectors to inject malicious commands that are then executed within the context of the affected system. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-77 or CWE-78 categories related to command injection, where user-supplied input is improperly handled and directly executed by the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ClearPass operates as a central policy enforcement point in network security architectures, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits CVE-2014-5342 could gain administrative access to the ClearPass server, potentially leading to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or disruption of network services. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or network proximity to the affected systems, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks or large-scale campaigns. Organizations using Aruba ClearPass in production environments face significant risk as this vulnerability could be exploited to undermine the integrity of their network access control policies and potentially provide backdoor access to critical infrastructure components.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.3.5 and 6.4.1 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the identified vulnerability. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit access to ClearPass servers, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns. Security teams should also review and validate existing network access control policies to ensure that any potential compromise is quickly detected and contained. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and scripting interpreter execution, as well as privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules restricting access to ClearPass management interfaces and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their network infrastructure.