CVE-2021-29146 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A remote cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.9, and 6.7.14-HF1. Aruba has released patches to address this security issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-29146

This CVE refers to a remote cross-site scripting vulnerability in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager.

What is CVE-2021-29146?

CVE-2021-29146 is a security vulnerability in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager that allows remote attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29146

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to conduct various malicious activities, including stealing sensitive data, modifying content, or performing actions on behalf of legitimate users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29146

The technical details of the CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a lack of input validation in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, which enables attackers to inject malicious scripts remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.9, and 6.7.14-HF1 are affected by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and injecting malicious scripts into vulnerable web pages, leading to script execution in the context of the user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29146, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security patches released by Aruba to address the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity indicating exploitation of the XSS flaw.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of phishing attacks and the importance of verifying website URLs before entering sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager to the latest version containing security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.