CVE-2022-43518 is an authenticated path traversal vulnerability affecting Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software. This vulnerability exists within the web interface of the Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise product, specifically in 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 flaw allows an authenticated attacker to perform path traversal attacks, enabling them to read arbitrary files on the underlying operating system. This includes sensitive system files that could contain configuration data, credentials, or other critical information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), indicating that the software does not properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input used to access files, allowing traversal outside the intended directory. Exploitation requires authentication, meaning an attacker must have valid credentials to access the web interface. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date (November 30, 2022), and no official patches have been linked or released publicly at this time. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality primarily, as unauthorized file disclosure can lead to information leakage, but it does not directly affect system integrity or availability. The affected product, Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise, is a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solution widely used by enterprises for network edge connectivity and management, making it a critical component in network infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant due to the sensitive nature of the information accessible through arbitrary file reads. Attackers with valid credentials could extract configuration files, encryption keys, user credentials, or other sensitive data that could facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. Given that Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise is deployed in enterprise network environments, successful exploitation could compromise network security posture and confidentiality of communications. This is particularly critical for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions within Europe. Additionally, the exposure of sensitive system files could aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks or bypassing security controls. Although the vulnerability does not allow remote unauthenticated exploitation, insider threats or compromised credentials could be leveraged to exploit this flaw. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk, but the potential for targeted attacks remains, especially against high-value European organizations relying on Aruba EdgeConnect for their network edge infrastructure.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting access to the Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise web interface to trusted administrators only, using network segmentation and strict access control lists (ACLs). 2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing the management interface to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor and audit access logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts to the web interface, focusing on file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Apply the principle of least privilege by limiting user roles and permissions within the Aruba EdgeConnect management environment to only what is necessary. 5. Since no official patches are currently linked, coordinate with HPE support or Aruba security advisories to obtain and deploy any forthcoming security updates promptly. 6. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAF) or Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) capable of detecting and blocking path traversal patterns in HTTP requests to the management interface. 7. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on the management interface to identify and remediate any additional vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. 8. Educate administrators on secure credential management and the risks of phishing or social engineering that could lead to credential compromise.