CVE-2022-37920 is a vulnerability identified in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software, specifically affecting versions ECOS 9.2.1.0 and below, ECOS 9.1.3.0 and below, ECOS 9.0.7.0 and below, and ECOS 8.3.7.1 and below. The vulnerability resides in the command line interface (CLI) of the Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise platform, which is a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solution used to optimize and secure enterprise network connectivity. The flaw allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying host operating system with root privileges. This means that an attacker who has valid credentials to access the CLI can leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability does not require exploitation via unauthenticated access, but once authenticated, the attacker can bypass normal command restrictions and execute arbitrary code as the root user. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification, disruption of network services, or pivoting to other internal systems. The affected software versions are widely used in enterprise environments for managing WAN connectivity and network security, making this a critical concern for organizations relying on Aruba EdgeConnect for their network infrastructure. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the high level of access it grants and the critical role of the affected systems in enterprise networks. No official patches or mitigation links were provided in the source information, indicating that organizations must proactively seek updates from HPE or apply workarounds to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software is commonly deployed in large enterprises, service providers, and critical infrastructure sectors to manage and secure WAN connections. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to intercept or manipulate sensitive data, disrupt network operations, or establish persistent footholds within corporate networks. This can affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network services. Given the root-level access achievable, attackers could disable security controls, alter routing policies, or exfiltrate data, potentially impacting business continuity and regulatory compliance, especially under GDPR requirements. The medium severity rating may underestimate the real-world impact if exploited in targeted attacks. The requirement for authentication limits exposure to some extent, but insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate exploitation. European organizations in finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and government sectors that rely on Aruba EdgeConnect for WAN management are particularly at risk. Disruption or compromise of these systems could have cascading effects on operational technology and critical services.

1. Immediate verification of Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software versions in use is critical. Organizations should inventory all instances and confirm if they run affected versions (ECOS 9.2.1.0 and below). 2. Contact Hewlett Packard Enterprise support to obtain official patches or updates addressing CVE-2022-37920. If patches are not yet available, inquire about recommended workarounds or configuration changes to restrict CLI access. 3. Implement strict access controls on the CLI interface: limit access to trusted administrators only, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), and monitor all CLI sessions for suspicious activity. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate management interfaces of Aruba EdgeConnect devices from general user networks and the internet to reduce exposure. 5. Regularly audit and rotate credentials used for CLI access to prevent credential compromise. 6. Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for anomalous command execution or privilege escalation attempts on Aruba devices. 7. Maintain comprehensive logging and alerting for all administrative actions on the Aruba EdgeConnect platform to enable rapid detection and response. 8. Educate administrators on the risks of this vulnerability and the importance of safeguarding authentication credentials. 9. As a longer-term measure, consider alternative or additional WAN management solutions with robust security postures if patching is delayed.