CVE-2023-22789 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-22789 was published on May 8, 2023, by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and affects Aruba Access Points running InstantOS and ArubaOS 10. The vulnerability was discovered by Daniel Jensen (@dozernz) and allows for multiple authenticated command injection vulnerabilities in the Aruba InstantOS and ArubaOS 10 command line interface.

Understanding CVE-2023-22789

This CVE highlights the presence of authenticated remote command execution vulnerabilities in the Aruba InstantOS and ArubaOS 10, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands as privileged users on the underlying operating system.

What is CVE-2023-22789?

The CVE-2023-22789 pertains to multiple authenticated command injection vulnerabilities in the Aruba InstantOS and ArubaOS 10 command line interface. Exploiting these flaws allows threat actors to run arbitrary commands with elevated privileges on the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22789

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a base severity score of 7.2 and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulation of data, and disruption of services on impacted devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22789

The following technical details provide insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for authenticated users to execute malicious commands on the Aruba InstantOS and ArubaOS 10 command line interface, posing a serious security risk to the affected devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Aruba InstantOS 6.4.x: 6.4.4.8-4.2.4.20 and below
Aruba InstantOS 6.5.x: 6.5.4.23 and below
Aruba InstantOS 8.6.x: 8.6.0.19 and below
Aruba InstantOS 8.10.x: 8.10.0.4 and below
ArubaOS 10.3.x: 10.3.1.0 and below

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users to inject and execute malicious commands through the command line interface, granting them unauthorized access and control over the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-22789 and enhance the security of the impacted systems, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
Monitor network activities for any signs of unauthorized access or command executions.
Implement strong access controls and user authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized system access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on best practices for securing their credentials and preventing unauthorized access.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from vendors to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for Aruba Access Points running InstantOS and ArubaOS 10 to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22789.