CVE-2022-37880 is a high-severity authenticated remote command injection vulnerability affecting Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager versions 6.10.x (up to 6.10.6) and 6.9.x (up to 6.9.11). ClearPass Policy Manager is a network access control and policy management solution widely used in enterprise environments to enforce security policies and manage network access. The vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface, where authenticated users can exploit improper input validation or command execution mechanisms to run arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute commands with root privileges, effectively leading to complete system compromise. This means the attacker can manipulate system files, install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or pivot to other parts of the network. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, indicating a high severity, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity but requires high privileges (authenticated user) and no user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), which typically involves command injection flaws. Aruba has released patches addressing this vulnerability, but no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability's impact is critical because it allows root-level command execution, which can lead to full compromise of the ClearPass server and potentially the broader network infrastructure it protects.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and service providers relying on Aruba ClearPass for network access control and policy enforcement. A compromised ClearPass server could allow attackers to bypass network security controls, gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems, and disrupt network operations. This could lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, since ClearPass often integrates with other network infrastructure components, attackers could use this foothold to move laterally within the network, escalating the scope of the attack. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government agencies in Europe that deploy Aruba ClearPass are particularly at risk. The ability to execute commands as root means attackers can disable security monitoring, exfiltrate credentials, or deploy ransomware, severely impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational assets.

European organizations should immediately verify their ClearPass Policy Manager versions and upgrade to the latest patched versions beyond 6.10.6 and 6.9.11. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, organizations should enforce strict access controls, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all ClearPass administrative accounts. Network segmentation should be applied to isolate ClearPass servers from less trusted network zones to reduce exposure. Monitoring and logging of ClearPass management interface access should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities. Implementing strict role-based access control (RBAC) can limit the number of users with high privileges, minimizing the attack surface. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on ClearPass deployments can help identify misconfigurations or signs of compromise. Additionally, organizations should review and harden ClearPass configurations, disable unnecessary services, and ensure that backups are securely maintained to enable recovery in case of compromise.