CVE-2016-4401 in ClearPass Policy Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager before 6.5.7 and 6.6.x before 6.6.2 allows attackers to obtain database credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2019
The CVE-2016-4401 vulnerability affects Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.5.7 and 6.6.x versions before 6.6.2, representing a critical security flaw that exposes database credentials to unauthorized attackers. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and authorization framework of the ClearPass platform, which serves as a central policy management system for network access control. The flaw enables attackers to extract sensitive database credentials through improper access controls and insufficient input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses "Improper Access Control" in software systems, specifically targeting the privilege escalation and credential exposure aspects of the platform. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure that stores critical network policy information, user credentials, and authentication records. The attack vector typically involves manipulating the application's authentication flow or exploiting a direct database connection that lacks proper security controls. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates fundamental security practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards. The exposure of database credentials creates a severe risk for organizations relying on ClearPass for network access management, as it allows attackers to potentially compromise the entire policy enforcement infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of database connection parameters and insufficient protection of credential storage mechanisms within the ClearPass Policy Manager. The affected versions fail to properly sanitize user inputs or implement adequate access controls when processing database connection requests. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specific requests that bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access database credential storage locations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring elevated privileges on the target system. This weakness creates a path for attackers to escalate their privileges and gain access to sensitive backend systems that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various attack vectors including exploitation of application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability represents a failure in the application's security architecture and demonstrates poor separation of concerns between authentication and database access components. Organizations using affected versions face the risk of complete compromise of their network access control policies, as database credentials provide access to all stored policy information and user authentication data.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4401 extends beyond simple credential theft, creating cascading security risks for organizations that depend on ClearPass for network security management. Successful exploitation allows attackers to modify network policies, create backdoor access points, and potentially gain access to other systems within the network infrastructure that rely on the ClearPass platform for authentication. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of the entire network access control system, as compromised database credentials can be used to impersonate legitimate users and bypass security controls. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption when attackers exploit this vulnerability, as they can modify or delete critical network policies and access controls. The exposure of database credentials also increases the risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments governed by standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, or SOX requirements. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ClearPass typically serves as a central point of control for network access, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to maintain long-term access and establish footholds within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.5.7 or 6.6.2, which contain patches addressing the credential exposure vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized database connection attempts and credential access patterns. Security teams should review and harden database access controls, ensuring that database credentials are properly encrypted and stored with appropriate access controls. Implementing multi-factor authentication and privilege separation mechanisms can reduce the impact of credential exposure. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the network infrastructure. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle credential exposure events and ensure proper containment and remediation. The mitigation strategies should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and include continuous monitoring of database access logs for suspicious activities. Additionally, implementing proper network access controls and firewall rules to restrict database connection points can help prevent unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all network infrastructure components.