CVE-2024-7480 is an improper access control vulnerability (CWE-266) identified in Avaya Aura System Manager versions 10.1.x.x and 10.2.x.x. This vulnerability allows a command-line interface (CLI) user who already has administrative privileges to read arbitrary files on the system. The flaw arises because the access control mechanisms do not sufficiently restrict the scope of file access for privileged CLI users, enabling them to access files beyond their intended permissions. While the vulnerability requires administrative CLI access and user interaction, it does not allow modification or deletion of files, focusing primarily on confidentiality impact. The vulnerability does not affect versions prior to 10.1, which are no longer supported by the vendor. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.2 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and user interaction needed. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained administrative CLI access to exfiltrate sensitive configuration files or other critical data stored on the system, potentially exposing sensitive organizational information or credentials.

For European organizations using Avaya Aura System Manager, this vulnerability poses a moderate confidentiality risk. Since the flaw allows arbitrary file reading by administrative CLI users, sensitive data such as configuration files, credentials, or internal documentation could be exposed. This could lead to further compromise if attackers use the leaked information to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where unauthorized data disclosure can result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Organizations in telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and government sectors that rely on Avaya Aura System Manager for unified communications and system management are particularly at risk. However, the requirement for administrative CLI access limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already breached initial defenses, reducing the likelihood of remote exploitation. Still, the vulnerability underscores the importance of strict access controls and monitoring of privileged accounts.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Restrict administrative CLI access strictly to trusted personnel and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users with such access. 2) Implement robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Monitor and audit CLI access logs continuously to detect any unusual or unauthorized file access attempts promptly. 4) Segregate management networks to isolate Avaya Aura System Manager from general user networks, limiting exposure. 5) Apply network-level controls such as IP whitelisting and VPN requirements for accessing the management interface. 6) Stay alert for vendor updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and plan for timely deployment once available. 7) Conduct internal security awareness training focusing on the risks of privileged access misuse. 8) Consider deploying file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access or exfiltration activities. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control hardening, monitoring, and network segmentation tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.