CVE-2018-7080:A vulnerability in the firmware of the embedded BLE radios used in certain Aruba Access Points could allow an attacker to install malicious BLE firmware and gain access to the AP console port if the BLE radio is enabled. The BLE radio is disabled by default, and Aruba notes the issue does not affect CVE-2018-16986.

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Description Preview

This CVE describes a vulnerability in the firmware of the embedded BLE radios found in some Aruba Access Points (AP-3xx and IAP-3xx families, including AP-203R and AP-203RP). If an attacker can exploit the vulnerability and the BLE radio is enabled, they could install new, potentially malicious firmware into the BLE radio and subsequently gain access to the AP’s console port. The BLE radio is disabled by default, reducing exposure, and Aruba specifies that this issue is not related to CVE-2018-16986. Affected ArubaOS versions include 6.4.4.x prior to 6.4.4.20, 6.5.3.x prior to 6.5.3.9, 6.5.4.x prior to 6.5.4.9, 8.x prior to 8.2.2.2, and 8.3.x prior to 8.3.0.4.

Overview

This vulnerability affects the firmware of the embedded BLE radios in a subset of Aruba Access Points. When the BLE radio is enabled, an attacker could push malicious firmware to the BLE component and obtain access to the AP’s console port, potentially compromising the device. The BLE radio is disabled by default, and Aruba indicates that affected products are not impacted by CVE-2018-16986. Remediation centers on applying fixed firmware versions and, where possible, disabling BLE when not needed to reduce attack surface.

Remediation

  • Upgrade to fixed firmware versions for affected devices:
    • AP-3xx and IAP-3xx series: move to ArubaOS 6.4.4.20 or later.
    • ArubaOS 6.5.3.x: upgrade to 6.5.3.9 or later.
    • ArubaOS 6.5.4.x: upgrade to 6.5.4.9 or later.
    • ArubaOS 8.x: upgrade to 8.2.2.2 or later.
    • ArubaOS 8.3.x: upgrade to 8.3.0.4 or later.
  • If BLE radio is not required, disable the BLE radio on affected APs to reduce exposure.
  • Ensure BLE remains disabled by default and review configurations to prevent enabling BLE without authorization.
  • Strengthen console-port security: restrict console access to trusted management networks, enable authentication, and disable unnecessary remote console access if possible.
  • Monitor Aruba advisories and apply subsequent updates as they are released.

References

  • ARUBA PSA-2018-006: https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2018-006.txt
  • BID 105814: http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105814

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  3. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  4. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  5. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  6. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  8. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  9. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  10. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  11. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Construction: Low
    Construction
  14. Information: Low
    Information
  15. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  16. Mining: Low
    Mining
  17. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

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