CVE-2014-6627 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-2014-5342.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6627 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager software. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 6.3.5 in the 6.3.x release line and prior to 6.4.1 in the 6.4.x release line, making it a significant concern for organizations utilizing Aruba's network access control solutions. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems without requiring authentication, which fundamentally compromises the security posture of network infrastructure. This vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from CVE-2014-5342, indicating a distinct attack surface that requires separate mitigation strategies.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the ClearPass Policy Manager application. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the affected service account. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may involve multiple attack pathways including but not limited to API endpoints, web interfaces, or network protocols that process user-supplied data. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," or CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack surface likely encompasses areas where user input is processed and subsequently used in system commands or interpreted by the application's backend components.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6627 is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Aruba ClearPass for network access control. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain complete control over the ClearPass server, potentially enabling them to modify access policies, create unauthorized user accounts, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the network or proximity to the affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not fully protect critical infrastructure components. Organizations utilizing ClearPass for authentication, authorization, and accounting services face the risk of complete compromise of their network access control mechanisms, potentially leading to widespread unauthorized network access and data exfiltration capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6627 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 6.3.5 or 6.4.1, whichever applies to the organization's deployment. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate ClearPass servers from critical network segments and apply firewall rules to restrict access to necessary ports and services. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish robust logging mechanisms to track command execution activities. Security controls should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in the network infrastructure. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," which describes how adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute commands and establish persistence. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous command execution patterns and ensure that all network devices maintain updated firmware and security configurations to prevent exploitation through related vulnerabilities.