Advisory ID: SYSS-2016-085
Product: AOS
Manufacturer: Aruba Networks
Affected Version(s): 6.3.1.19
Tested Version(s): 6.3.1.19 on an RAP-3 router
Vulnerability Type: Improper Authentication
Risk Level: High
Solution Status: Open
Manufacturer Notification: 2016-09-06
Solution Date: --
Public Disclosure: 2016-11-07
CVE Reference: Not yet assigned
Author of Advisory: Klaus Tichmann, SySS GmbH

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Overview:

AOS is a Linux-based Operating System designed for routers produced by
Aruba Networks.

Its shell uses a modified variant of the Busybox shell that restricts
the capabilities of the root user until the special command enable and
a password is used.

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Vulnerability Details:

The "enable" protection can be bypassed by pressing the special key
sequence [Esc] [Ctrl]-K. As this is an undocument feature or not
documentation for this feature could be found, the SySS regards this as
a backdoor.

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Proof of Concept (PoC):

After entering the special key sequence, the shell emits the message

Switching to Full Access

and grants all permissions in the current shell session.

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Solution:

According to the vendor, the "enable"-functionality is not a security
feature. Therefore, no direct fix will be provided. The vendor
recommends to upgrade to the newest version of the operating system
which allows for disabling of the hardware console.

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Disclosure Timeline:

2016-09-01: Vulnerability discovered
2016-09-06: Vulnerability reported to manufacturer
2016-11-07: Public disclusure

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References:

[1] Product information for AOS
    http://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/ds/DS_AOS.pdf
[2] Product website for RAP-3WNP
    http://www.arubanetworks.com/products/networking/access-points/rap-3/
[3] SySS Responsible Disclosure Policy
    https://www.syss.de/en/news/responsible-disclosure-policy/

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Credits:

This security vulnerability was found by Klaus Tichmann of the SySS
GmbH.

E-Mail: klaus.tichmann@syss.de
Public Key:
https://www.syss.de/fileadmin/dokumente/PGPKeys/Klaus_Tichmann.asc
Key ID: 0x99042A60
Key Fingerprint: B51E A884 B3F8 4D72 B705 4B91 4EBD A263 9904 2A60

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this security advisory is provided "as is"
and without warranty of any kind. Details of this security advisory may
be updated in order to provide as accurate information as possible. The
latest version of this security advisory is available on the SySS Web
site.

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Copyright:

Creative Commons - Attribution (by) - Version 3.0
URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en