CVE-2024-26299 in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2024
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of ClearPass Policy Manager could allow an authenticated remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against an administrative user of the interface. A successful exploit allows 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 • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26299 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the web-based management interface of ClearPass Policy Manager, a network access control solution developed by Aruba Networks. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative user interface where authenticated attackers can leverage the flaw to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's data storage. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by attackers who have already gained legitimate authentication credentials to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of user input fields within the ClearPass Policy Manager administrative interface. When an authenticated attacker submits malicious script code through any input parameter that is subsequently stored and displayed in the web interface, the malicious payload becomes persistent and executes whenever administrative users view the affected content. This stored XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-0000079, which specifically addresses failures in input validation and output encoding that enable cross-site scripting attacks. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary script code in the browser context of administrative users, potentially enabling full compromise of the management interface and underlying network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete administrative account compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network control mechanisms. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges, access confidential network policies, modify user access controls, and gain persistent access to the network infrastructure managed by ClearPass Policy Manager. The attack vector requires only authentication to the administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or attackers who have obtained legitimate administrative credentials. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.002, which covers the exploitation of web applications through the use of cross-site scripting, and represents a significant risk to network security operations and access control management.
Organizations utilizing ClearPass Policy Manager should immediately implement mitigations including comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates from the vendor. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, sanitizing all user inputs, and conducting regular security assessments of the web interface components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, limiting administrative access to essential personnel only, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious activities within the management interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect administrative interfaces from persistent threats that can compromise entire network access control systems.