CVE-2021-26683 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed analysis of the remote authenticated command injection vulnerability discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager.

Understanding CVE-2021-26683

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-26683?

CVE-2021-26683 is a remote authenticated command injection vulnerability in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.8-HF1, 6.7.14-HF1. It allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the host, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26683

The vulnerability in the ClearPass web-based management interface enables attackers to run commands as root on the underlying operating system, posing a severe security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26683

This section delves into the specific details of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability permits remote authenticated users to exploit the ClearPass web interface, executing unauthorized commands and gaining root access on the system.

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, exposing them to command injection risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the flaw in the web-based management interface, malicious actors can execute arbitrary commands as root, potentially compromising the entire system.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline immediate steps and best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26683.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches promptly, monitor network traffic for anomalies, and restrict access to the ClearPass Policy Manager interface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the system, enforce the principle of least privilege, conduct security training for staff, and implement network segmentation to bolster overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager is updated to version 6.9.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and protect the system against potential exploits.