CVE-2024-25614: ArubaOS File Deletion DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2024-25614 Overview

CVE-2024-25614 is an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability affecting the command-line interface (CLI) used by ArubaOS. This Path Traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) allows attackers to delete arbitrary files on the underlying operating system of Aruba network controllers. Successful exploitation can lead to denial-of-service conditions and compromise the integrity of the controller infrastructure.

Critical Impact

Attackers can delete critical system files on ArubaOS controllers, potentially causing complete service disruption and compromising network infrastructure integrity.

Affected Products

• ArubaNetworks ArubaOS (multiple versions)
• Aruba Network Controllers running vulnerable ArubaOS versions
• Enterprise wireless infrastructure utilizing ArubaOS-based controllers

Discovery Timeline

• March 5, 2024 - CVE-2024-25614 published to NVD
• July 28, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-25614

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists within the CLI component of ArubaOS, where improper validation of file paths allows attackers to traverse directories and delete arbitrary files on the underlying operating system. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization when processing file-related commands through the CLI interface.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for exposed network infrastructure. Successful exploitation directly impacts system availability through file deletion and compromises the integrity of the controller by allowing modification of the file system state.

Root Cause

The root cause is a classic Path Traversal weakness (CWE-22) where the ArubaOS CLI fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences (such as ../). When processing file operations, the CLI does not adequately validate or restrict the target path, allowing attackers to escape the intended directory scope and access files anywhere on the file system with the privileges of the CLI process.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based, meaning an attacker with network access to the ArubaOS CLI interface can exploit this vulnerability. The attack requires no authentication and no user interaction, making it highly exploitable in environments where the management interface is accessible.

An attacker would craft malicious input containing path traversal sequences to target critical system files. By deleting essential configuration files, log files, or system binaries, the attacker can cause the controller to malfunction or become completely inoperable, resulting in denial-of-service conditions across the network infrastructure managed by the controller.

The vulnerability mechanism involves submitting specially crafted file path arguments through the CLI that include directory traversal sequences. These sequences allow the delete operation to target files outside the intended directory structure. Technical details and specific exploitation methods can be found in the Aruba Networks Security Alert.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-25614

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file deletions on ArubaOS controllers, particularly system files or configuration files
• CLI access logs showing unusual file path patterns containing ../ sequences
• System instability or unexplained service disruptions on Aruba controllers
• Missing critical system files that were not intentionally removed during maintenance

Detection Strategies

• Monitor CLI command logs for file operations containing path traversal patterns such as ../, ..\\, or encoded variants
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical ArubaOS system directories to detect unauthorized deletions
• Configure alerting for any unexpected CLI access from unauthorized source IP addresses
• Review authentication logs for unusual access patterns to management interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive CLI command logging on all ArubaOS controllers
• Deploy network-based intrusion detection signatures for path traversal attack patterns
• Implement Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) correlation rules for file deletion events combined with suspicious CLI activity
• Regularly audit file system integrity using baseline comparisons

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-25614

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Aruba Networks Security Alert for affected versions and apply available patches immediately
• Restrict network access to the ArubaOS CLI management interface using ACLs and firewall rules
• Implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from untrusted networks
• Enable enhanced logging on all Aruba controllers to detect exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Aruba Networks has released security patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the official Aruba Networks Security Alert (ARUBA-PSA-2024-002) for specific version information and patch availability. Apply the latest available firmware updates to all affected ArubaOS controllers as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Limit CLI access to only trusted administrator workstations using strict access control lists
• Implement jump servers or bastion hosts for all management access to Aruba controllers
• Disable remote CLI access if not required and use local console access only
• Deploy additional network monitoring at the perimeter to detect and block suspicious traffic to management interfaces

# Example: Restrict CLI access to trusted management subnet only
# Consult Aruba documentation for your specific ArubaOS version

# Review current access rules
show ip access-list

# Implement management ACL (example - adjust for your environment)
ip access-list session mgmt-restrict
  any host <controller-ip> tcp 22 deny
  <trusted-mgmt-subnet> host <controller-ip> tcp 22 permit