CVE-2021-37726 in Aruba Instant
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2021
A remote buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in HPE Aruba Instant (IAP) version(s): Aruba Instant 8.7.x.x: 8.7.0.0 through 8.7.1.2. Aruba has released patches for Aruba Instant (IAP) that address this security vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37726 represents a critical remote buffer overflow flaw affecting HPE Aruba Instant (IAP) access points running firmware versions 8.7.0.0 through 8.7.1.2. This vulnerability resides within the network infrastructure component that manages wireless access point configurations and communications, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise wireless networks. The buffer overflow occurs when the affected IAP devices process specially crafted network packets or configuration data, leading to potential arbitrary code execution and complete system compromise. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, and the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to system instability and unauthorized access. The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns targeting enterprise wireless infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the IAP firmware's packet processing routines and configuration handling mechanisms. When legitimate network traffic or malformed packets are received by the affected access points, the system fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming data structures, allowing attackers to overflow predetermined buffer boundaries. This overflow condition can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures within the device's execution environment. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious network packets that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges within the device's operating system. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to wireless networks, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, network reconnaissance, or further lateral movement within the enterprise environment. The impact extends beyond simple device compromise as compromised access points can serve as launching points for broader network infiltration attempts, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise and campus network environments where wireless infrastructure forms the backbone of network connectivity.
Organizations operating affected Aruba Instant IAP devices face significant operational risks including potential network disruption, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and complete compromise of wireless network security. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target these devices from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or insider threat scenarios. Security teams must consider the potential for widespread impact across multiple access points within a single deployment, as the vulnerability affects a specific firmware version range rather than individual devices. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete device takeover, enabling attackers to modify network configurations, intercept wireless traffic, or redirect network communications. Additionally, the compromised access points may be used as pivot points for further attacks against backend network services, creating cascading security issues throughout the enterprise infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and control execution, T1046 for network service scanning, and T1566 for credential harvesting through network infiltration. The security implications extend to compliance requirements where organizations must maintain secure network infrastructure to protect sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance standards. Network administrators should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of wireless network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches for network infrastructure components, as outdated firmware represents a significant risk vector for enterprise security operations and incident response procedures.