Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A critical vulnerability in HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially impacting network access control and identity management functions. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure.
- Attacker can run custom code on network access systems.
- Critical flaw impacts core network identity and access.
- Verify if your network access control is exposed.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An unauthenticated attacker could remotely access an affected service interface of HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager. By sending specially crafted data to this interface, the attacker could trigger a format string vulnerability. This vulnerability could then be leveraged to corrupt memory, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code.
- No authentication required for access.
- Triggered via a format string vulnerability.
- Allows arbitrary code execution.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A format string vulnerability in an affected HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager service interface could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to corrupt process memory. When exploited, this could lead to arbitrary code execution.
- Corrupt process memory.
- Unauthenticated remote network access.
- Arbitrary code execution.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This critical vulnerability in HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager requires immediate attention from infrastructure, platform, and security teams. The first step is to inventory all instances of the affected product, confirm their network exposure and business criticality, and identify the specific owners responsible for each deployment. Once identified, a risk-based remediation plan should be developed, considering vendor coordination and potential maintenance windows.
- Network and platform teams should own remediation.
- Verify external exposure and asset criticality first.
- Plan coordinated updates or vendor engagement.
