CVE-2023-30501 in EdgeConnect Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2023
Vulnerabilities exist in the Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise command line interface that allow remote authenticated users to run arbitrary commands on the underlying host. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities result in the ability to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system leading to complete system compromise.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30501 affects the Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise command line interface, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying host system. This vulnerability resides within the privileged command execution mechanisms of the EdgeConnect platform, which is designed to manage and control network infrastructure components. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication and authorization processes within the command line interface, allowing attackers who have already established legitimate credentials to escalate their privileges and gain root-level access to the operating system. Such a vulnerability fundamentally undermines the security posture of network infrastructure devices, as it transforms legitimate administrative access into a potential pathway for complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the command line interface implementation. Attackers can leverage their authenticated access to manipulate command execution flows, potentially bypassing security controls that should prevent arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability allows for command injection attacks where malicious inputs can be processed by the underlying shell or system commands, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and may also relate to CWE-20, representing input validation issues that enable command injection. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already compromised legitimate administrative credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-30501 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation results in complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker with root access can modify system configurations, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and manipulate network traffic flows. The compromised EdgeConnect device can serve as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter, potentially leading to widespread lateral movement and data breaches. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, representing exploit for privilege escalation. The compromised device may also affect network availability and integrity, as attackers can disable security features or modify network policies to maintain persistent access. Organizations relying on Aruba EdgeConnect for network security may face significant operational disruption if this vulnerability is exploited, potentially requiring complete device replacement and network reconfiguration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-30501 should prioritize immediate patch application from Aruba, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation and enforce strict access controls for administrative interfaces. Multi-factor authentication should be enabled for all administrative accounts, and regular monitoring of command line activities should be implemented to detect suspicious behavior. Network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify command injection attempts and unauthorized privilege escalation activities. Additionally, privileged access management solutions should be deployed to enforce least privilege principles and limit the scope of potential exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security architecture weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation approaches.