How to remediate – ArubaOS Detection

1. Introduction

The remote network device is running ArubaOS, which allows attackers to gather information about its model and operating system version via standard SNMP requests or the device’s Web Interface. This can help an attacker identify potential vulnerabilities on the system. Confidentiality may be impacted as details of your network infrastructure are exposed.

2. Technical Explanation

Nessus was able to obtain the device’s model and operating version via standard SNMP requests or the device’s Web Interface. This is not a vulnerability in itself, but it provides information that could be used to target known vulnerabilities. There are no specific preconditions needed for this information gathering; any network access to the device is sufficient.

• Root cause: The ArubaOS devices expose model and version information via standard interfaces.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker can use SNMP queries or browse the web interface to obtain the OS version and model number. This information can then be used to search for known vulnerabilities specific to that device and version.
• Scope: All ArubaOS devices are potentially affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

• Quick checks: Use an SNMP tool to query the device’s sysDescr OID (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0) or browse the device’s web interface for system information.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 14879 can detect this issue. Other vulnerability scanners may have similar checks.
• Logs and evidence: No specific logs are generated by simply exposing the OS version. However, SNMP traffic logs might show queries to the device.

snmpget -v2c -c public <device_ip> 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

There is no direct fix for this information disclosure, as it’s inherent in the device’s operation. The focus should be on network segmentation and monitoring to limit exposure.

4.1 Preparation

• Backups are not required for these steps. No services need to be stopped.
• Dependencies: Ensure you have access to the ArubaOS devices via SNMP or web interface. A roll back plan is simply to stop monitoring if needed.
• Change window needs: These changes do not require a formal change window.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Review network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of ArubaOS devices to untrusted networks.
2. Step 2: Implement monitoring for unusual SNMP traffic or web interface activity targeting the devices.

4.3 Config or Code Example

There is no configuration change needed to fix this issue.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Network segmentation and least privilege access are relevant practices for mitigating the risk associated with this information disclosure. Least privilege limits the impact if an attacker gains access, while network segmentation reduces exposure to untrusted networks.

• Practice 1: Network Segmentation – isolate ArubaOS devices from public-facing networks or sensitive data stores.
• Practice 2: Least Privilege Access – restrict SNMP access to only authorized personnel and systems.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

No automation is suitable for this vulnerability.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that network segmentation is in place and monitoring is active.

• Post-fix check: Verify firewall rules block unauthorized access to SNMP ports (161/UDP) and the web interface port (80/TCP or 443/TCP).
• Re-test: Re-run the earlier detection method (SNMP query or web interface browsing) from an untrusted network to confirm it is blocked.
• Smoke test: Ensure legitimate users can still access the devices via authorized methods.
• Monitoring: Review firewall logs for any denied SNMP traffic targeting the ArubaOS devices.

# Example command to check firewall rules (Linux): iptables -L

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include network segmentation requirements and least privilege access controls for network devices. Add checks in CI/CD pipelines to ensure new deployments adhere to these standards.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require network segmentation for all ArubaOS devices.
• Pipelines: Include firewall rule validation as part of your deployment pipeline.
• Asset and patch process: Review the asset inventory regularly to identify new ArubaOS devices that need to be secured.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Implementing network segmentation may disrupt existing connectivity if not planned carefully. The roll back steps are to remove or modify the firewall rules blocking access.

• Roll back: Remove or adjust the firewall rules to restore connectivity if necessary.

8. References and Resources

Links related to ArubaOS products and networking documentation.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.arubanetworks.com/products/networking/arubaos/