CVE-2022-42897 is a critical vulnerability affecting Array Networks AG/vxAG devices running ArrayOS AG versions prior to 9.4.0.469. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to perform command injection, which can lead to privilege escalation and full control over the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77, indicating that it involves improper neutralization of special elements used in OS command execution. Exploitation requires no authentication or user interaction, and the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning it can be triggered remotely over the network. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker gaining control can exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt services. ArrayOS AG 10.x versions are not affected, indicating that the vendor has addressed the issue in later releases. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the high CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the severe risk posed by this vulnerability. The lack of patch links suggests that organizations must seek vendor advisories or updates directly to remediate the issue. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is likely that attackers could leverage it to establish persistent access or pivot within a network, making it a significant threat to organizations using vulnerable Array Networks devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42897 can be substantial, especially for those relying on Array Networks AG/vxAG appliances for secure remote access, VPN services, or application delivery. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, data breaches involving sensitive personal or corporate information, and disruption of critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors with stringent data protection requirements under GDPR, such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The ability for an unauthenticated attacker to gain full control over network appliances increases the risk of lateral movement and advanced persistent threats within organizational networks. Additionally, compromised devices could be used as launch points for attacks against other infrastructure, amplifying the overall security risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency for remediation, as threat actors may develop exploits given the high severity and ease of exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately identify and inventory all Array Networks AG/vxAG devices running ArrayOS AG versions prior to 9.4.0.469. 2) Upgrade all vulnerable devices to ArrayOS AG 10.x or the latest vendor-recommended patched version as soon as possible. 3) If immediate patching is not feasible, implement network-level controls such as restricting access to management interfaces to trusted IP addresses and segments, using VPNs or jump hosts for administrative access, and deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor for suspicious command injection attempts. 4) Conduct thorough audits and monitoring of affected devices for signs of compromise or anomalous activity. 5) Review and tighten firewall rules and segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks, especially the internet. 6) Engage with the vendor for any available security advisories, patches, or workarounds and subscribe to threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging exploits related to this vulnerability.