CVE-2024-42506 Overview
CVE-2024-42506 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Aruba Access Points through the PAPI (Aruba's Access Point management protocol) UDP port 8211. The flaw exists in the underlying CLI service, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by sending specially crafted network packets. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with privileged user permissions on the underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete device compromise.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote code execution allows attackers to take full control of affected Aruba Access Points, potentially compromising entire wireless network infrastructure.
Affected Products
- Aruba Access Points with vulnerable firmware
- Devices running the PAPI management protocol on UDP port 8211
- HPE Aruba Networking Access Points
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-25 - CVE-2024-42506 published to NVD
- 2024-09-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-42506
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), commonly known as command injection. The flaw resides in the CLI service component that processes incoming PAPI protocol packets. When the service receives specially crafted UDP packets on port 8211, it fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before passing it to system command execution functions.
The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability combined with no authentication requirement makes it particularly dangerous. An attacker with network access to the management interface can exploit this vulnerability without any credentials, and the low attack complexity means reliable exploitation is achievable. Successful exploitation results in code execution with privileged (root) permissions, giving attackers complete control over the affected access point.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in the CLI service when processing PAPI protocol messages. The service fails to adequately sanitize special characters and command sequences within packet data before incorporating them into system commands. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that are then executed by the underlying operating system with elevated privileges.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over the network by sending malicious UDP packets to port 8211, which is the default port for Aruba's PAPI management protocol. The attacker constructs packets containing command injection payloads that escape the intended command context. When the vulnerable CLI service processes these packets, the injected commands are executed on the underlying Linux-based operating system.
The exploitation mechanism involves crafting UDP packets that contain shell metacharacters or command separators (such as ;, |, &&, or backticks) within fields that are processed by the CLI service. Because no authentication is required to send PAPI messages, any attacker with network access to the management interface can attempt exploitation.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-42506
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected or anomalous UDP traffic to port 8211 from untrusted sources
- Unusual process spawning or shell execution on Aruba Access Points
- Unauthorized configuration changes or new administrative accounts
- Network traffic patterns indicative of command and control communications from access points
Detection Strategies
- Deploy network intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for malformed PAPI protocol packets
- Monitor UDP port 8211 traffic for unusual patterns or payloads containing shell metacharacters
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to management protocols
- Review access point logs for unexpected command execution or authentication anomalies
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging on Aruba Access Points and centralize log collection
- Monitor for lateral movement from access points to other network infrastructure
- Set up alerts for any outbound connections originating from access point management interfaces
- Regularly audit access point configurations for unauthorized modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-42506
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply security patches from HPE as referenced in the HPE Security Advisory
- Restrict network access to UDP port 8211 using firewall rules or access control lists
- Isolate access point management interfaces on a dedicated, secured management VLAN
- Monitor for exploitation attempts while patching is in progress
Patch Information
HPE has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the HPE Security Advisory (hpesbnw04712en_us) for specific patch versions and upgrade instructions. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected Aruba Access Points, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks.
Workarounds
- Implement strict network segmentation to prevent untrusted hosts from reaching UDP port 8211
- Deploy firewall rules blocking external access to the PAPI management protocol
- Use VPN or jump hosts for administrative access to access point management interfaces
- Consider disabling PAPI if not required in your environment (verify operational impact first)
# Example firewall rule to restrict PAPI access (adapt to your environment)
# Block external access to UDP port 8211 on access point management interfaces
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 8211 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 8211 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
