CVE-2021-40986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE relates to a remote arbitrary command execution vulnerability found in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, affecting specific versions prior to 6.10.2, 6.9.7-HF1, and 6.8.9-HF1.

Understanding CVE-2021-40986

Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager has a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

What is CVE-2021-40986?

The CVE-2021-40986 vulnerability involves remote attackers being able to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40986

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized remote access and control of the affected systems, potentially resulting in data breaches, system compromise, and disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40986

The following details highlight the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions prior to 6.10.2, 6.9.7-HF1, and 6.8.9-HF1 allows remote arbitrary command execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager
Vulnerable Versions:
ClearPass Policy Manager 6.10.x prior to 6.10.2
ClearPass Policy Manager 6.9.x prior to 6.9.7-HF1
ClearPass Policy Manager 6.8.x prior to 6.8.9-HF1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or compromising system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-40986.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patches released by Aruba for ClearPass Policy Manager.
Implement network segmentation to restrict unauthorized access.
Monitor network traffic for any unusual activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing periodically.
Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices.

Patching and Updates

Aruba has released patches for ClearPass Policy Manager to address this critical vulnerability. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to secure the systems against potential attacks.