CVE-2022-23696 is a high-severity authenticated SQL injection vulnerability affecting Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.10.x (6.10.6 and below) and 6.9.x (6.9.11 and below). The vulnerability resides in the web-based management interface of ClearPass Policy Manager, which is a network access control and policy management solution widely used to enforce security policies across enterprise networks. An authenticated remote attacker with valid credentials can exploit this SQL injection flaw to manipulate backend database queries. This manipulation can lead to unauthorized disclosure, modification, or deletion of sensitive data stored in the ClearPass database. The impact of successful exploitation extends to potentially complete compromise of the ClearPass Policy Manager cluster, allowing attackers to alter network access policies, create or modify user roles, and disrupt network security enforcement. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), indicating that user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL statements. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges (authenticated user), and no user interaction needed. Aruba has released security updates to address this vulnerability, but unpatched systems remain at risk. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date, but the severity and potential impact warrant immediate attention from affected organizations.

For European organizations, the exploitation of CVE-2022-23696 poses significant risks. ClearPass Policy Manager is commonly deployed in enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors across Europe to manage network access control and enforce security policies. A successful attack could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations and user credentials, undermining the integrity of network security controls. This could facilitate lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, or disruption of network services. Given the critical role of ClearPass in network security, compromise could also impact compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, leading to legal and financial repercussions. Furthermore, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and public administration, which rely heavily on Aruba ClearPass for secure network access, could face operational disruptions and reputational damage. The vulnerability’s requirement for authentication means that insider threats or compromised credentials could be leveraged by attackers, increasing the risk profile. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as the vulnerability is well-documented and could be targeted by threat actors seeking to gain persistent access or disrupt network operations.

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-23696, European organizations should: 1) Immediately apply the security patches provided by Aruba for ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.10.x and 6.9.x to remediate the SQL injection vulnerability. 2) Enforce strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing the ClearPass management interface to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Conduct regular audits of ClearPass user accounts and privileges to ensure that only authorized personnel have access, minimizing the attack surface. 4) Monitor ClearPass logs and network traffic for unusual activities indicative of SQL injection attempts or unauthorized database queries. 5) Implement network segmentation to isolate ClearPass management interfaces from general user networks, limiting exposure to potential attackers. 6) Educate administrators and security teams about the vulnerability and encourage prompt application of updates. 7) Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with rules tailored to detect SQL injection patterns targeting ClearPass. 8) Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for containment and recovery in case of ClearPass compromise.