CVE-2024-26302 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 a remote attacker authenticated with low privileges to access sensitive information. A successful exploit allows an attacker to retrieve information which could be used to potentially gain further access to network services supported by ClearPass Policy Manager.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26302 represents a critical information disclosure 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 authentication and authorization mechanisms of the platform, creating a pathway for low-privilege authenticated attackers to escalate their access and obtain sensitive data. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user permissions and data access controls, potentially allowing unauthorized information retrieval that could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as the retrieved information could provide attackers with insights into network infrastructure, user credentials, or system configurations that would facilitate further compromise of the network environment.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within the ClearPass Policy Manager's web interface. The flaw likely manifests in how the system processes user requests and validates permissions, potentially allowing authenticated users with minimal privileges to bypass intended access restrictions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through insufficient authorization checks. The attack vector requires initial authentication, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials or exploit another vulnerability to reach the point where this information disclosure can occur. The technical implementation appears to lack proper validation of user roles and permissions when processing sensitive data requests, creating a gap in the security model that can be exploited by attackers who understand the system's access control structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-26302 is substantial for organizations relying on ClearPass Policy Manager for network access control and identity management. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gather sensitive information including user account details, network configuration parameters, system logs, and potentially authentication credentials that would allow further infiltration of the network infrastructure. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to conduct more targeted attacks, such as credential stuffing, privilege escalation, or reconnaissance activities that could compromise additional network services. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where ClearPass Policy Manager serves as a central authentication and authorization point, as the compromised information could be used to gain access to other systems that rely on the same authentication infrastructure. Organizations may experience cascading security impacts where a single compromised account leads to broader network compromise, especially in environments with interconnected systems that depend on ClearPass for access control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26302 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates, while also implementing additional security controls to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should enforce strict access control policies, implement role-based access controls, and conduct regular security assessments of the ClearPass Policy Manager configuration. The implementation of network segmentation, monitoring of administrative access, and regular auditing of user permissions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing strict monitoring protocols for unusual access patterns or data retrieval activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it could enable attackers to leverage compromised credentials to access sensitive data. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on monitoring for unauthorized data access patterns and implementing proper logging and alerting mechanisms for administrative activities within the ClearPass environment.