CVE-2022-23664
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authenticated remote command injection vulnerability in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager. Attackers with valid credentials can execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially gaining full control. Organizations running vulnerable versions of ClearPass Policy Manager are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, deploy ransomware, pivot to other network segments, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers with stolen or compromised credentials gain administrative access to ClearPass, potentially accessing network authentication data, modifying policies, and compromising connected systems.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation, credential protection, and monitoring, impact is limited to the ClearPass system itself with minimal lateral movement potential.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials but is straightforward once authentication is achieved. Given the high CVSS score and command injection nature, weaponization is likely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.10.5, 6.9.10, 6.8.9-HF3, or later versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2022-007.txt
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the appropriate patch from Aruba support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Apply patch following Aruba's upgrade documentation. 4. Restart the ClearPass appliance. 5. Verify successful update and functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Administrative Access
allLimit administrative access to ClearPass to only trusted IP addresses and users with strict need.
Configure firewall rules to restrict ClearPass administrative interface access
Enforce Strong Authentication
allImplement multi-factor authentication for all ClearPass administrative accounts.
Configure MFA in ClearPass Policy Manager settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate ClearPass system in a dedicated network segment with strict firewall rules
- Implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting for suspicious administrative activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ClearPass version via web interface: Admin > Support > About, or via CLI: show versionCheck Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 6.10.5, 6.9.10, 6.8.9-HF3 or later, and test administrative functions work normally📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution patterns in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Administrative actions from unusual IP addresses or times
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from ClearPass appliance
- Traffic patterns suggesting command and control communication
SIEM Query:
source="clearpass" AND (event_type="command_execution" OR user="admin" AND action="shell")