CVE-2022-44532 is an authenticated path traversal 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 designed to optimize and secure enterprise network connectivity. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker to exploit improper input validation in the CLI, enabling them to perform path traversal attacks. This means the attacker can manipulate file path inputs to access arbitrary files on the underlying operating system beyond the intended directory scope. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized reading of sensitive system files, which may include configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), indicating a failure to properly sanitize or validate file path inputs. Although exploitation requires authentication, the impact on confidentiality is significant since sensitive files can be exposed. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date (November 30, 2022), and no official patches or mitigations have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software, which is widely deployed in enterprise environments for network management and security.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on Aruba EdgeConnect devices, including network configurations, credentials, and potentially other critical system files. This could facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement within the network, privilege escalation, or disruption of network services. Given that Aruba EdgeConnect is used to manage SD-WAN infrastructure, compromise of these devices could impact the integrity and availability of enterprise network connectivity, potentially disrupting business operations. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory requirements for data protection (e.g., finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure) could face compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed. The requirement for authentication limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already compromised valid credentials, but the risk remains significant in environments where credential management is weak or where attackers can leverage social engineering or phishing to gain access. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as threat actors may develop exploits over time.

1. Immediate review and restriction of access to the Aruba EdgeConnect CLI to only trusted and necessary personnel, implementing strict role-based access controls (RBAC). 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor and audit CLI access logs for unusual or unauthorized activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Implement network segmentation to isolate Aruba EdgeConnect devices from less trusted network segments, limiting potential lateral movement. 5. Regularly update and patch Aruba EdgeConnect Enterprise Software as new versions become available, prioritizing upgrades beyond the affected versions. 6. If patches are not yet available, consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling or limiting CLI access where feasible. 7. Conduct internal vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on SD-WAN infrastructure to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. 8. Educate administrators and users on the risks of credential compromise and phishing to reduce the likelihood of attackers gaining authenticated access.