CVE-2021-26681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A remote authenticated command Injection vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.8-HF1, 6.7.14-HF1. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to run arbitrary commands on the host, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Understanding CVE-2021-26681

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE-2021-26681 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-26681?

CVE-2021-26681 is a remote authenticated command Injection vulnerability in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26681

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26681

Let's delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-26681 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the ClearPass Command-Line Interface (CLI) of Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, enabling authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.8-HF1, and 6.7.14-HF1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to run unauthorized commands on the target system, potentially leading to a full system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2021-26681 is crucial to ensure the security of your systems. Here are the recommended steps to address this issue.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager to the latest version (6.9.5 or above) to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict network access to the ClearPass CLI to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from Aruba Networks.
Implement strong access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Aruba Networks for ClearPass Policy Manager to address vulnerabilities promptly.