CVE-2024-42507 Overview
CVE-2024-42507 is a critical command injection vulnerability affecting the underlying CLI service in Aruba Access Points. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote code execution by sending specially crafted packets to the PAPI (Aruba's Access Point management protocol) UDP port 8211. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can achieve remote code execution with privileged access by exploiting the PAPI protocol on UDP port 8211, requiring no user interaction and enabling full system takeover.
Affected Products
- Aruba Access Points with PAPI management protocol enabled
- Devices listening on UDP port 8211
- Systems running vulnerable CLI service implementations
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-25 - CVE-2024-42507 published to NVD
- 2024-09-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-42507
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (CWE-77). The underlying CLI service in Aruba Access Points fails to properly sanitize input received via the PAPI protocol, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the system.
The attack is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, can be executed remotely over the network, and results in code execution with privileged user permissions. The vulnerability affects the PAPI management protocol which listens on UDP port 8211, a protocol used for Aruba Access Point management operations.
Root Cause
The root cause is a command injection flaw (CWE-77) in the CLI service. User-supplied input received through PAPI protocol packets is not properly validated or sanitized before being passed to system command execution functions. This allows specially crafted input containing shell metacharacters or command separators to break out of the intended command context and execute attacker-controlled commands.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and targets UDP port 8211 where the PAPI protocol listens. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Identifying Aruba Access Points with UDP port 8211 exposed
- Crafting malicious PAPI protocol packets containing command injection payloads
- Sending the packets to the target device without requiring any authentication
- Achieving arbitrary code execution as a privileged user on the underlying operating system
The vulnerability does not require any user interaction, making it particularly suitable for automated attacks. The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions or circumstances need to exist for the attack to succeed.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-42507
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected network traffic to UDP port 8211 from external or untrusted sources
- Anomalous process execution spawned from the CLI service on Aruba Access Points
- Unusual commands or shell activity following PAPI protocol communications
- Signs of privilege escalation or unauthorized system access on affected devices
Detection Strategies
- Monitor UDP traffic on port 8211 for malformed or suspicious PAPI protocol packets
- Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify command injection patterns in PAPI traffic
- Deploy endpoint detection on managed access points to identify anomalous process execution
- Correlate PAPI protocol activity with subsequent suspicious system behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable logging for all PAPI protocol communications on Aruba Access Points
- Configure network monitoring to alert on UDP port 8211 traffic from unexpected sources
- Review access point logs regularly for signs of exploitation attempts
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of management protocols
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-42507
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patches provided by HPE/Aruba as soon as possible
- Restrict network access to UDP port 8211 using firewall rules to trusted management networks only
- Implement network segmentation to isolate access point management interfaces
- Monitor for exploitation attempts while patching is in progress
Patch Information
HPE has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should review the HPE Security Advisory for detailed patch information, affected firmware versions, and upgrade instructions. Apply the recommended firmware updates to all affected Aruba Access Points to remediate this vulnerability.
Workarounds
- Block external access to UDP port 8211 at the network perimeter
- Implement strict access control lists (ACLs) limiting PAPI protocol access to authorized management stations only
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate access point management interfaces from untrusted networks
- Consider disabling the PAPI protocol if not required for management operations (verify operational impact first)
- Use VPN or other secure tunnels for remote management access to access points
# Example firewall rule to restrict PAPI protocol access
# Allow PAPI traffic only from trusted management network
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 8211 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -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.
