CVE-2023-22764 in ArubaOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2023
Authenticated command injection vulnerabilities exist in the ArubaOS command line interface. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities result in the ability to execute arbitrary commands as a privileged user on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The authenticated command injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22764 represents a critical security flaw within the ArubaOS command line interface implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects Aruba's network operating system used in enterprise wireless networking equipment, where authenticated users can exploit improper input validation mechanisms to inject malicious commands. The flaw resides in how the system processes command line arguments and user input, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the underlying operating system environment. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which classify it as a command injection vulnerability that allows for arbitrary command execution through improper handling of user-supplied data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated session with the ArubaOS system, typically involving valid user credentials with sufficient privileges to access the command line interface. Attackers can craft malicious input that bypasses normal input sanitization checks and gets executed with elevated privileges, effectively allowing them to run any command available to the system. This command injection occurs at the operating system level, meaning that successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the network device, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network disruption, or further lateral movement within the enterprise network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ArubaOS devices often serve as critical network infrastructure components, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise environments.
From an operational standpoint, the exploitation of CVE-2023-22764 could result in severe consequences for organizations relying on Aruba network equipment. The ability to execute arbitrary commands as a privileged user effectively grants attackers root-level access to the network device, enabling them to modify configurations, install backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise, as compromised network infrastructure devices can serve as launch points for broader network attacks, potentially affecting multiple systems within the organization's network perimeter.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and establishing strict access controls for privileged accounts. The vulnerability's classification as an authenticated command injection places it within the scope of NIST SP 800-53 controls related to input validation and privilege management. Network administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns and establish network access controls that restrict administrative access to only necessary personnel. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in network infrastructure components, as command injection vulnerabilities often occur in systems that process user input without proper sanitization mechanisms. The mitigation strategy should also include regular credential rotation, multi-factor authentication implementation, and comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.