CVE-2021-26968 in AirWave Management Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2021
A remote authenticated stored cross-site scripting (xss) vulnerability was discovered in Aruba AirWave Management Platform version(s): Prior to 8.2.12.0. A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of AirWave could allow an authenticated remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary script code in a victim’s browser in the context of the affected interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2021
The CVE-2021-26968 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Aruba AirWave Management Platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.2.12.0. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the platform, which serves as the primary control point for network administrators to manage and monitor wireless networks. The AirWave platform is widely deployed in enterprise environments for centralized wireless network management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it affects a system that handles sensitive network configuration data and administrative controls. The vulnerability's classification as a stored cross-site scripting issue indicates that malicious input is permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed when victims access the affected interface, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface components of the AirWave platform. When authenticated users interact with the management interface, malicious data submitted through various input fields can be stored in the platform's database without proper sanitization. This stored data is then rendered back to users without adequate security measures to prevent script execution, creating the conditions for XSS attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the platform handles user-supplied data in contexts where HTML content is generated, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the browser context of authenticated users. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities where insufficient input validation allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform sophisticated attacks against authenticated users of the AirWave management interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser session, potentially gaining access to sensitive network configuration information, modifying wireless network settings, or even escalating privileges within the management platform. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once the malicious payload is injected, it can affect multiple users who subsequently access the affected interface, creating a persistent threat that can remain undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute JavaScript code within the browser context of legitimate users, potentially leading to further compromise of the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Aruba AirWave Management Platform must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, with the most effective solution being the upgrade to version 8.2.12.0 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to prevent the storage and execution of malicious scripts. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attempts, enhanced input validation procedures, and regular security monitoring of the management interface for suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices in web applications, as well as the critical need for regular security updates and patch management processes. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their AirWave deployments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all administrative accounts maintain strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable interface.