1. Introduction
Aruba VAN SDN default credentials allow unauthenticated, remote attackers to gain privileged access to Aruba Virtual Application Networks (VAN) Software Defined Networking (SDN) controllers. This vulnerability affects systems running the Aruba VAN SDN controller with default configurations. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, impacting confidentiality, integrity and availability of network services.
2. Technical Explanation
The Aruba VAN SDN controller is shipped with a web application configured with default credentials. Specifically, either a default service token is present or the ‘sdn’ account uses a default password. An attacker can exploit this by directly logging in to the web interface using these known credentials.
- Root cause: Use of default credentials for the Aruba VAN SDN controller’s web application and ‘sdn’ account.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to log into the web application with default username/password combinations. If successful, they gain administrator access.
- Scope: Aruba Virtual Application Networks (VAN) Software Defined Networking (SDN) controllers running affected versions of ArubaOS.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can check if your system is vulnerable by verifying the configuration settings for default credentials. A quick check involves accessing the web interface and attempting to log in with common defaults. For a thorough assessment, review the controller’s administrator guide for specific configurations.
- Quick checks: Attempt login via the web interface using username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’, or username ‘sdn’ with no password.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 139854 can detect this vulnerability. This is an example only, other scanners may also be applicable.
- Logs and evidence: Check web application logs for failed login attempts using default credentials. Event IDs are not typically logged for successful logins with defaults.
# No command available to directly check the configuration from CLI without access to the web interface.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
To fix this issue, change the default credentials on your Aruba VAN SDN controller. Follow these steps carefully to avoid service disruption.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: Access to the Aruba VAN SDN controller’s web interface is required. Roll back plan: Restore from the pre-change snapshot or backup if issues occur.
- A change window may be needed, depending on your organization’s policies. Approval from a system administrator might be necessary.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the Aruba VAN SDN controller’s web interface using existing credentials (if any).
- Step 2: Navigate to chapter 7, section Security procedure in the Aruba VAN SDN Controller Administrator Guide.
- Step 3: Change the default password for the ‘sdn’ account.
- Step 4: If a service token is configured, disable it or change its value to a strong, unique secret.
- Step 5: Log out of the web interface and verify that you can no longer log in using the previous default credentials.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# Default 'sdn' account password is blank or ‘admin’/‘admin’. Service token may be default value.After
# 'sdn' account has a strong, unique password. Service token is disabled or set to a strong, unique secret.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if an attacker gains access. Safe defaults ensure systems are not shipped with easily guessable credentials. Regular patch cadence ensures known vulnerabilities are addressed quickly.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege to limit the damage caused by compromised accounts.
- Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies and require regular password changes.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not readily available for this specific vulnerability due to the need for manual configuration within the web interface.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt login via the web interface using username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’. Expected output: Login failed.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick checks from Section 3, confirming that default credentials no longer work.
- Smoke test: Verify you can access the web interface with your new credentials and manage basic network settings.
- Monitoring: Monitor web application logs for failed login attempts using default credentials. This is an example only; specific log formats may vary.
# No command available to directly check configuration from CLI without access to the web interface.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines or policies to include requirements for strong passwords and disabling default accounts. Implement checks in CI/CD pipelines to scan for hardcoded credentials in configuration files. Establish a regular patch review cycle to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to require strong, unique passwords for all system accounts.
- Pipelines: Add static code analysis (SCA) checks to identify default or hardcoded credentials in configuration files.
- Asset and patch process: Review and apply security patches at least monthly, or more frequently for critical vulnerabilities.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Roll back: Restore from the pre-change snapshot or backup if issues occur. If a snapshot is unavailable, contact Aruba support for assistance.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: Aruba VAN SDN Controller Administrator Guide
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is listed for this default credential issue, but it falls under general security best practices.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Aruba Support Documentation