CVE-2018-16417

Vulnerability

Aruba Instant access points in versions 4.x prior to 6.4.4.8-4.2.4.12, 6.5.x prior to 6.5.4.11, 8.3.x prior to 8.3.0.6, and 8.4.x prior to 8.4.0.1 allow unauthenticated command injection (CWE-77) through the web interface [1]. An attacker with network access can send crafted HTTP requests to execute arbitrary system commands on the underlying OS, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Exploitation

An unauthenticated attacker needs only network access to the device's web interface; no authentication, user interaction, or special privileges are required [1]. The attacker sends a crafted URL or payload to trigger command execution, which can copy files, read configuration, write files, delete files, or reboot the device.

Impact

Successful exploitation gives the attacker full control over the operating system, enabling arbitrary command execution at the highest privilege level [1]. This leads to complete disclosure of sensitive data, modification of device configuration, denial of service, or persistent compromise of the access point.

Mitigation

Siemens has released firmware updates: for W1750D, version 8.4.0.1 addresses all listed vulnerabilities [1]. Users should upgrade to this or later versions. No workarounds are disclosed; if unable to patch, restrict network access to the device's web interface to trusted users only.