CVE-2020-24636
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected Aruba Instant Access Points (IAPs) without authentication. It affects multiple Aruba Instant versions across several product lines. Attackers can gain full control of vulnerable devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Aruba Instant Access Point (IAP)
📦 What is this software?
Instant by Arubanetworks
Instant by Arubanetworks
Instant by Arubanetworks
Instant by Arubanetworks
Instant by Arubanetworks
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the access point, allowing attackers to pivot to internal networks, intercept traffic, deploy malware, or use the device as a foothold for further attacks.
Likely Case
Attackers gain administrative access to the access point, enabling them to modify configurations, disrupt network services, or steal sensitive data passing through the device.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the affected access point itself, preventing lateral movement to other systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with low attack complexity and no authentication required. While no public PoC is confirmed, weaponization is likely given the severity and ease of exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Aruba Instant 6.5.4.18+, 8.3.0.14+, 8.5.0.11+, 8.6.0.6+, 8.7.0.1+
Vendor Advisory: https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2021-007.txt
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate patch from Aruba support portal. 2. Upload firmware to affected IAPs. 3. Apply update through web interface or CLI. 4. Reboot devices after patching. 5. Verify successful update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate IAP management interfaces from untrusted networks
Access Control Lists
allRestrict management interface access to trusted IP addresses only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately isolate affected IAPs from internet-facing networks
- Implement strict network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IAP firmware version via web interface (System > About) or CLI (show version)Check Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is at or above patched versions: 6.5.4.18, 8.3.0.14, 8.5.0.11, 8.6.0.6, or 8.7.0.1📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Unauthorized configuration changes
- Unexpected reboots or service restarts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from IAPs
- Traffic patterns inconsistent with normal operation
- Management interface access from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source="aruba-iap" AND (event_type="command_execution" OR event_type="config_change")