CVE-2024-54008 Overview
CVE-2024-54008 is an authenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in the HPE Aruba AirWave CLI. A remote authenticated attacker can run arbitrary commands as a privileged user on the underlying host. The flaw is classified under [CWE-78], improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (OS command injection).
AirWave is a network management platform used to monitor wireless and wired enterprise infrastructure. Exploitation grants control over the management host, which typically has visibility across managed network devices.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands as a privileged user, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the AirWave host.
Affected Products
- HPE Aruba Networking AirWave Management Platform
- AirWave CLI component
- Refer to the HPE Security Advisory for specific affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-54008 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54008
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the AirWave command-line interface. CLI input handling fails to properly neutralize shell metacharacters before passing arguments to an underlying operating system command. This is a classic OS command injection pattern tracked as [CWE-78].
An authenticated user with CLI access can append or embed shell operators such as ;, |, &&, or backticks into a permitted CLI argument. The injected content executes in the context of the process running the CLI backend, which runs as a privileged user on the AirWave host.
Successful exploitation yields arbitrary command execution with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Because AirWave manages network infrastructure, an attacker on the host can pivot toward managed devices, credentials, and network telemetry.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient input sanitization in the AirWave CLI command parser. User-controlled arguments are concatenated into a shell command string rather than passed through a safe API that separates the executable from its arguments. This design allows shell metacharacters to break out of the intended argument context.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based but requires prior authentication with CLI access to AirWave. No user interaction is needed once the attacker holds valid credentials. The exploit is delivered through crafted CLI commands or arguments containing OS command separators. See the HPE Security Advisory for vendor-confirmed exploitation prerequisites.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54008
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the AirWave CLI or management daemon, especially shells such as /bin/sh, /bin/bash, or interpreters like python, perl, or nc.
- CLI audit log entries containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, `, $() inside command arguments.
- Outbound network connections originating from the AirWave host to unfamiliar IP addresses shortly after CLI sessions.
- New or modified files in system directories, cron entries, or SSH authorized_keys on the AirWave host.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process ancestry on the AirWave host for CLI processes launching unexpected commands.
- Alert on authenticated CLI sessions issuing commands whose arguments include shell control characters.
- Correlate CLI authentication events with subsequent privileged process activity on the host.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and centrally forward AirWave CLI command auditing and authentication logs to a SIEM.
- Baseline normal administrator CLI behavior and alert on deviations such as new command patterns or off-hours activity.
- Track privileged account usage on AirWave and review any anomalies against change tickets.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54008
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed AirWave version identified in the HPE Security Advisory as soon as possible.
- Restrict CLI access to a minimal set of trusted administrator accounts and source networks.
- Rotate credentials for any account with CLI access and enforce strong authentication.
- Review AirWave CLI audit logs for evidence of command injection attempts before patching.
Patch Information
HPE has issued a security advisory addressing CVE-2024-54008. Consult the HPE Security Advisory for the list of affected versions, fixed builds, and upgrade guidance. Apply the vendor-supplied patch on all AirWave instances.
Workarounds
- Limit AirWave CLI access to a management network segment reachable only from jump hosts.
- Enforce role-based access control to reduce the number of accounts able to reach the CLI.
- Place AirWave management interfaces behind a VPN with multi-factor authentication.
- Increase log retention and monitoring on AirWave hosts until the patch can be applied.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
