CVE-2024-42502: ArubaOS Command Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2024-42502 Overview

CVE-2024-42502 is an authenticated command injection vulnerability in the ArubaOS command line interface (CLI). An attacker with authenticated CLI access can inject shell commands that execute on the underlying operating system. Successful exploitation gives the attacker the ability to run arbitrary commands outside the constrained CLI environment, breaking the intended privilege boundary between the ArubaOS management shell and the host OS.

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-78] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). HPE Aruba Networking published a security advisory addressing the issue.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary shell commands on the underlying operating system, resulting in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected ArubaOS device.

Affected Products

ArubaOS (network operating system for HPE Aruba Networking devices)
Refer to the HPE Security Advisory for specific affected versions
CLI-accessible management interfaces on affected ArubaOS controllers and gateways

Discovery Timeline

2024-09-17 - CVE-2024-42502 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-42502

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists in the ArubaOS CLI, which parses administrator-supplied input and passes it to underlying operating system commands. The CLI fails to properly neutralize shell metacharacters before invoking OS-level commands. An authenticated user can craft input that breaks out of the intended command context and executes attacker-controlled shell commands.

Because the injected commands run in the context of the underlying operating system rather than the restricted CLI shell, an attacker can access files, processes, and network resources normally hidden from CLI users. This provides a path from privileged CLI access to full host compromise on affected network infrastructure.

The attack requires network access to the CLI and valid high-privilege credentials. No user interaction is required, and exploitation does not depend on side channels or race conditions.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78]. The CLI concatenates user-supplied arguments into shell command strings without sufficient sanitization or the use of safe argument-passing APIs. Shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, backticks, and $() are not filtered, allowing the input to alter the structure of the executed command.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based against the ArubaOS management CLI. An attacker with valid administrator credentials authenticates to the CLI over SSH or a comparable management channel. The attacker then issues a vulnerable CLI command with an argument containing shell metacharacters, causing the injected payload to execute on the underlying OS with the privileges of the CLI service.

No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. See the HPE Security Advisory for technical details specific to the vulnerable commands.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-42502

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected shell processes or child processes spawned from ArubaOS CLI service accounts
CLI command history entries containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, backticks, or $() in argument fields
Outbound network connections initiated from the ArubaOS management plane to unfamiliar destinations
Unusual file creation, modification, or read activity in system directories on the ArubaOS device

Detection Strategies

Monitor administrator CLI session logs for command arguments containing shell metacharacters or encoded payloads
Correlate authentication events with command execution patterns to identify anomalous administrator sessions
Alert on ArubaOS management-plane processes performing actions inconsistent with normal CLI operation, such as spawning shells or writing to arbitrary paths

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward ArubaOS syslog and CLI audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation
Baseline normal administrator command patterns and alert on deviations, particularly commands with unusual argument syntax
Track privileged authentication events to ArubaOS devices and investigate logins from unexpected sources or at unusual times

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-42502

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the patched ArubaOS version documented in the HPE Security Advisory as soon as feasible
Restrict CLI management access to a dedicated, hardened management network and remove exposure from user or internet-facing segments
Rotate administrator credentials and enforce multi-factor authentication for CLI access where supported
Audit existing administrator accounts and remove unused or overly privileged accounts

Patch Information

HPE Aruba Networking has released updated ArubaOS firmware that addresses CVE-2024-42502. Refer to the HPE Security Advisory for the list of fixed versions and upgrade guidance specific to your platform and deployment.

Workarounds

Limit CLI access to trusted management hosts using access control lists on the management interface
Enforce the principle of least privilege for administrator accounts, avoiding shared credentials
Enable command auditing and forward logs off-device to preserve evidence of any exploitation attempts

bash

# Example: restrict SSH management access to a dedicated management subnet
# Consult ArubaOS documentation for exact syntax on your platform version
ip access-list standard mgmt-acl
  permit 10.10.0.0 255.255.255.0
  deny any
!
ssh mgmt-limit mgmt-acl