CVE-2018-7084 in Instant
Summary
by MITRE
A command injection vulnerability is present that permits an unauthenticated user with access to the Aruba Instant web interface to execute arbitrary system commands within the underlying operating system. An attacker could use this ability to copy files, read configuration, write files, delete files, or reboot the device. Workaround: Block access to the Aruba Instant web interface from all untrusted users. Resolution: Fixed in Aruba Instant 4.2.4.12, 6.5.4.11, 8.3.0.6, and 8.4.0.1
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
This command injection vulnerability in Aruba Instant web interface represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on affected devices. The vulnerability exists within the web management interface of Aruba Instant wireless access points, where improper input validation enables attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the web interface, and the executed commands can operate at the system level with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing complete system compromise and potential network disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including copying sensitive files, reading device configurations that may contain administrative credentials or network settings, writing malicious files to the system, deleting critical components, and even rebooting the device to cause denial of service. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script execution, T1083 for file and directory discovery, and T1490 for energy drain. The ability to execute arbitrary commands without authentication effectively provides attackers with a backdoor into the network infrastructure, potentially enabling further lateral movement and persistent access.
The security implications extend beyond immediate command execution to encompass broader network compromise potential. Since Aruba Instant devices typically serve as wireless access points in enterprise environments, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain visibility into wireless network operations, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks or unauthorized network access. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Aruba Instant software, specifically those prior to versions 4.2.4.12, 6.5.4.11, 8.3.0.6, and 8.4.0.1, indicating this was a widespread issue affecting various product lines. Organizations should note that the recommended workaround of blocking access to the web interface from untrusted users provides only partial protection, as the vulnerability can still be exploited by attackers who gain access through other vectors such as compromised credentials or network reconnaissance. The resolution addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and command execution validation within the web interface processing logic.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure input handling in web applications and the potential consequences of inadequate validation mechanisms. It highlights the need for comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes that specifically target input validation and command execution flows. Organizations should implement layered security controls including network segmentation to isolate wireless infrastructure, regular security assessments, and monitoring for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Aruba likely involves proper sanitization of user-supplied input before any command execution occurs, preventing malicious payloads from being interpreted as legitimate commands by the underlying operating system. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches, as well as implementing robust network access controls to minimize attack surface exposure.