CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-3718NVD status: Modified

Aruba CX Switches: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-3718 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Aruba CX Switches from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Aruba CX Switches versions: AOS-CX 10.11.xxxx: 10.11.1010 and below; AOS-CX 10.10.xxxx: 10.10.1050 and below; 10.11 through 10.11.1010, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.64% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 77% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Aruba CX Switches you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on arubanetworks.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Hewlett Packard EnterpriseAruba CX SwitchesAOS-CX 10.11.xxxx: 10.11.1010 and below; AOS-CX 10.10.xxxx: 10.10.1050 and below; 10.11 through 10.11.1010; 10.10 through 10.10.1050Not stated
Hewlett Packard EnterpriseArubaos-cx10.10.0000 through 10.10.1050; 10.11.0000 through 10.11.1010Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.8HighCNA (hpe.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

Official description

An authenticated command injection vulnerability exists in the AOS-CX command line interface. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as a privileged user on the affected switch. This allows an attacker to fully compromise the underlying operating system on the device running AOS-CX.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.