CVE-2015-3654 in ClearPass Policy Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager before 6.4.7 and 6.5.x before 6.5.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to gain root privileges via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4649.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3654 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Aruba Networks ClearPass Policy Manager software. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 6.4.7 and 6.5.2, specifically targeting remote authenticated administrators who can exploit unspecified vectors to escalate their privileges to root level access. The flaw operates as a privilege escalation vulnerability that differs from CVE-2015-4649, indicating a separate attack surface that requires distinct mitigation approaches. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-269, which describes privilege escalation through inadequate access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous potential for authenticated users to bypass security controls and gain elevated system privileges, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure managed by ClearPass Policy Manager.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves authenticated administrators leveraging unspecified vectors to elevate their privileges from administrative level to root access. This privilege escalation allows attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted to system administrators or root users, including accessing sensitive configuration data, modifying system files, and potentially gaining unauthorized access to network devices managed by the policy manager. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be leveraged through various attack surfaces. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses methods that allow adversaries to elevate their privileges to gain access to system-level resources. This exploitation capability represents a significant threat to network security infrastructure, as it enables attackers to move laterally within the network environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3654 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of organizations relying on Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager for network access control. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to gain complete control over the system, potentially enabling them to manipulate network policies, access sensitive user data, and compromise the integrity of the entire network access control system. The affected versions represent a substantial attack surface for organizations that depend on ClearPass for managing network access, as the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or external attackers who have obtained valid administrative credentials. The implications include potential data breaches, unauthorized network access, and complete compromise of the network security infrastructure that ClearPass is designed to protect. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption if attackers leverage this vulnerability to modify policies or disable security controls, potentially leading to extended periods of compromised network security.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address CVE-2015-3654, beginning with upgrading to the patched versions 6.4.7 and 6.5.2 where available. The vulnerability's nature as a privilege escalation flaw necessitates comprehensive monitoring of administrative account activities and implementation of robust access control measures. Network segmentation should be considered to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious administrative activities that may indicate privilege escalation attempts. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework recommendations for privilege escalation prevention, including limiting administrative privileges, implementing least privilege access controls, and conducting regular security assessments. Additionally, organizations should review their administrative account management policies, implement multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and establish strict audit trails for all administrative activities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure, ensuring that the security posture remains resilient against evolving attack vectors and exploitation techniques.