HPE6-A78 Exam Dumps - HP Aruba-ACNSA Questions and Answers

In an HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 Mobility Controller (MC), firewall rules are applied based on the user role assigned to a client. The rules are evaluated in order, and the first matching rule determines the action (permit or deny) for the packet. The client’s role has the following firewall rules:

ipv4 any any svc-dhcp permit: Permits DHCP traffic (UDP ports 67 and 68) from any source to any destination.

ipv4 user 10.5.5.20 svc-dns permit: Permits DNS traffic (UDP port 53) from the user to the IP address 10.5.5.20.

ipv4 user 10.1.5.0 255.255.255.0 https permit: Permits HTTPS traffic (TCP port 443) from the user to the subnet 10.1.5.0/24.

ipv4 user 10.1.0.0 255.255.0.0 https deny_opt: Denies HTTPS traffic from the user to the subnet 10.1.0.0/16, with the deny_opt action (which typically means deny with an optimized action, such as dropping the packet without logging).

ipv4 user any any permit: Permits all other traffic from the user to any destination.

The question asks how the MC treats HTTPS packets (TCP port 443) to two IP addresses: 10.1.20.1 and 10.5.5.20.

HTTPS packet to 10.1.20.1:

Rule 1: Does not match (traffic is HTTPS, not DHCP).

Rule 2: Does not match (destination is 10.1.20.1, not 10.5.5.20; traffic is HTTPS, not DNS).

Rule 3: Does not match (destination 10.1.20.1 is not in the subnet 10.1.5.0/24).

Rule 4: Matches (destination 10.1.20.1 is in the subnet 10.1.0.0/16, and traffic is HTTPS). The action is deny_opt, so the packet is denied.

HTTPS packet to 10.5.5.20:

Rule 1: Does not match (traffic is HTTPS, not DHCP).

Rule 2: Does not match (traffic is HTTPS, not DNS).

Rule 3: Does not match (destination 10.5.5.20 is not in the subnet 10.1.5.0/24).

Rule 4: Does not match (destination 10.5.5.20 is not in the subnet 10.1.0.0/16).

Rule 5: Matches (catches all other traffic). The action is permit, so the packet is permitted.

Therefore, the HTTPS packet to 10.1.20.1 is denied, and the HTTPS packet to 10.5.5.20 is permitted.

Option A, "Both packets are denied," is incorrect because the packet to 10.5.5.20 is permitted.

Option B, "The first packet is permitted, and the second is denied," is incorrect because the packet to 10.1.20.1 (first) is denied, and the packet to 10.5.5.20 (second) is permitted.

Option C, "Both packets are permitted," is incorrect because the packet to 10.1.20.1 is denied.

Option D, "The first packet is denied, and the second is permitted," is correct based on the rule evaluation.

The HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 8.11 User Guide states:

"Firewall policies on the Mobility Controller are evaluated in order, and the first matching rule determines the action for the packet. For example, a rule such as ipv4 user 10.1.0.0 255.255.0.0 https deny_opt will deny HTTPS traffic to the specified subnet, while a subsequent rule like ipv4 user any any permit will permit all other traffic that does not match earlier rules. The ‘user’ keyword in the rule refers to the client’s IP address, and the rules are applied to traffic initiated by the client." (Page 325, Firewall Policies Section)

Additionally, the guide notes:

"The deny_opt action in a firewall rule drops the packet without logging, optimizing performance for high-volume traffic. Rules are processed sequentially, and only the first matching rule is applied." (Page 326, Firewall Actions Section)

RadSec (RADIUS over TLS) is a protocol for transporting RADIUS messages over TLS-encrypted TCP/IP networks. The primary use case for implementing RadSec instead of traditional RADIUS is to protect RADIUS communications, particularly when those messages must travel across an untrusted network, such as the internet. RadSec provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for RADIUS traffic between clients and servers which may not be within a single secure network. In the case of a school district that wants to ensure the security of messages sent between RADIUS clients and servers over potentially insecure networks, RadSec would be the appropriate choice.

In ArubaOS-CX, managing and searching logs can be crucial for tracking and diagnosing issues related to network operations such as port authentication. To efficiently find logs related to port authentication, configuring a logging filter specifically for this category is highly effective.

Logging Filter Configuration: In ArubaOS-CX, you can configure logging filters to refine the logs that are collected and viewed. By setting up a filter for the "port-access" category, you focus the logging system to only capture and display entries related to port authentication events. This approach reduces the volume of log data to sift through, making it easier to identify relevant issues.

Global Application of Filter: Applying the filter globally ensures that all relevant log messages, regardless of their origin within the switch's modules or interfaces, are captured under the specified category. This global application is crucial for comprehensive monitoring across the entire device.

Alternative Options and Their Evaluation:

Option A: Adding "-C and *-c port-access" to the "show logging" command is not a standard command format in ArubaOS-CX for filtering logs directly through the show command.

Option C: Enabling debugging for "portaccess" indeed increases the detail of logs but primarily serves to provide real-time diagnostic information rather than filtering existing logs.

Option D: Specifying a logging facility focuses on routing logs to different destinations or subsystems and does not inherently filter by log category like port-access.

When responding to the detection of a Rogue AP, it's important to consider legal implications and to gather forensic evidence:

You should receive permission before containing an AP (Option C), as containing it could disrupt service and may have legal implications, especially if the AP is on a network that the organization does not own.

For forensic purposes, it is essential to document the event by copying out logs with relevant information, such as the time the AP was detected and the AP's MAC address (Option D). This information could be crucial if legal action is taken or if a detailed analysis of the security breach is required.

Automatically containing an AP without consideration for the context (Options A and E) can be problematic, as it might inadvertently interfere with neighboring networks and cause legal issues. Immediate containment without consideration of company policy (Option B) could also violate established incident response procedures.

In an AOS-8 Mobility Controller (MC) environment, a WLAN is configured with WPA3-Enterprise security, using HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM) for authentication. The WLAN’s default role is set to "guest," which would be applied if no specific role is assigned after authentication. The MC has several roles configured, including "general-access" (note the underscore in the question: "general_access").

The client successfully authenticates, and CPPM sends an Access-Accept message with an Aruba-User-Role Vendor-Specific Attribute (VSA) set to "general_access." In AOS-8, the Aruba-User-Role VSA is used to assign a specific role to the client, overriding the default role configured on the WLAN. The role specified in the VSA must match a role that exists on the MC. Since "general-access" (or "general_access" as written in the question) is listed among the roles configured on the MC, the MC will apply this role to the client.

The underscore in "general_access" in the VSA versus the hyphen in "general-access" in the MC’s role list is likely a typographical inconsistency in the question. In practice, AOS-8 role names are case-insensitive and typically use hyphens, not underscores, but for the purpose of this question, we assume "general_access" matches "general-access" as the intended role.

Option A, "guest," is incorrect because the guest role is the default 802.1X role for the WLAN, but it is overridden by the Aruba-User-Role VSA specifying "general_access."

Option B, "logon," is incorrect because the logon role is typically applied during the authentication process (e.g., to allow access to DNS or RADIUS servers), not after successful authentication when a specific role is assigned.

Option C, "general-access," is correct because the MC applies the role specified in the Aruba-User-Role VSA ("general_access"), which matches the "general-access" role configured on the MC.

Option D, "authenticated," is incorrect because the "authenticated" role is not specified in the VSA, and there is no indication that it is the default role for successful authentication in this scenario.

The HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 8.11 User Guide states:

"When a client authenticates successfully via 802.1X, the Mobility Controller checks for an Aruba-User-Role VSA in the RADIUS Access-Accept message. If the VSA is present and the specified role exists on the controller, the controller assigns that role to the client, overriding the default 802.1X role configured for the WLAN. For example, if the VSA specifies ‘general-access’ and this role is configured on the controller, the client will be assigned the ‘general-access’ role." (Page 305, Role Assignment Section)

Additionally, the HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager 6.11 User Guide notes:

"The Aruba-User-Role VSA allows ClearPass to assign a specific role to a client on an Aruba Mobility Controller. The role name sent in the VSA must match a role configured on the controller, and the controller will apply this role to the client session, ignoring the default role for the WLAN." (Page 289, RADIUS Enforcement Section)

In an AOS-8 architecture, the Mobility Controller (MC) includes a stateful firewall that enforces policies on client traffic. The firewall uses user roles to apply policies, allowing granular control over traffic based on the client’s identity and context.

User Roles: In AOS-8, each client is assigned a user role after authentication (e.g., via 802.1X, MAC authentication, or captive portal). The user role contains firewall policies (rules) that define what traffic is allowed or denied for clients in that role. For example, a "guest" role might allow only HTTP/HTTPS traffic, while an "employee" role might allow broader access.

Option A, "The firewall applies the rules in policies associated with the client's user role," is correct. The AOS firewall evaluates traffic based on the user role assigned to the client. Each role has a set of policies (rules) that are applied in order, and the first matching rule determines the action (permit or deny). For example, if a client is in the "employee" role, the firewall applies the rules defined in the "employee" role’s policy.

Option B, "The firewall applies every rule that includes the client's IP address as the source," is incorrect. The firewall does not apply rules based solely on the client’s IP address; it uses the user role. Rules within a role may include IP addresses, but the role determines which rules are evaluated.

Option C, "The firewall applies the rules in policies associated with the client's WLAN," is incorrect. While the WLAN configuration defines the initial role for clients (e.g., the default 802.1X role), the firewall applies rules based on the client’s current user role, which may change after authentication (e.g., via a RADIUS VSA like Aruba-User-Role).

Option D, "The firewall applies every rule that includes the client's IP address as the source or destination," is incorrect for the same reason as Option B. The firewall uses the user role to determine which rules to apply, not just the client’s IP address.

The HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 8.11 User Guide states:

"The AOS firewall on the Mobility Controller applies rules based on the user role assigned to a client. Each user role contains a set of firewall policies that define the allowed or denied traffic for clients in that role. For example, a policy in the ‘employee’ role might include a rule like ipv4 user any http permit to allow HTTP traffic. The firewall evaluates the rules in the client’s role in order, and the first matching rule determines the action for the traffic." (Page 325, Firewall Policies Section)

Additionally, the HPE Aruba Networking Security Guide notes:

"User roles in AOS-8 provide a powerful mechanism for firewall policy enforcement. The firewall determines which rules to apply to a client’s traffic by looking at the policies associated with the client’s user role, which is assigned during authentication or via a RADIUS VSA like Aruba-User-Role." (Page 50, Role-Based Access Control Section)

Malware (malicious software) is a broad category of software designed to harm or exploit systems. HPE Aruba Networking documentation often discusses malware in the context of network security threats and mitigation strategies, such as those detected by the Wireless Intrusion Prevention (WIP) system.

Option A, "Worms are usually delivered in spear-phishing attacks and require users to open and run a file," is incorrect. Worms are a type of malware that replicate and spread automatically across networks without user interaction (e.g., by exploiting vulnerabilities). They are not typically delivered via spear-phishing, which is more associated with Trojans or ransomware. Worms do not require users to open and run a file; that behavior is characteristic of Trojans.

Option B, "Rootkits can help hackers gain elevated access to a system and often actively conceal themselves from detection," is correct. A rootkit is a type of malware that provides hackers with privileged (elevated) access to a system, often by modifying the operating system or kernel. Rootkits are designed to hide their presence (e.g., by concealing processes, files, or network connections) to evade detection by antivirus software or system administrators, making them a stealthy and dangerous type of malware.

Option C, "A Trojan is any type of malware that replicates itself and spreads to other systems automatically," is incorrect. A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it. Unlike worms, Trojans do not replicate or spread automatically; they require user interaction (e.g., downloading and running a file) to infect a system.

Option D, "Malvertising can only infect a system if the user encounters the malware on an untrustworthy site," is incorrect. Malvertising (malicious advertising) involves embedding malware in online ads, which can appear on both trustworthy and untrustworthy sites. For example, a legitimate website might unknowingly serve a malicious ad that exploits a browser vulnerability to infect the user’s system, even without the user clicking the ad.

The HPE Aruba Networking Security Guide states:

"Rootkits are a type of malware that can help hackers gain elevated access to a system by modifying the operating system or kernel. They often actively conceal themselves from detection by hiding processes, files, or network connections, making them difficult to detect and remove. Rootkits are commonly used to maintain persistent access to a compromised system." (Page 22, Malware Types Section)

Additionally, the HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 8.11 User Guide notes:

"The Wireless Intrusion Prevention (WIP) system can detect various types of malware. Rootkits, for example, are designed to provide hackers with elevated access and often conceal themselves to evade detection, allowing the hacker to maintain control over the infected system for extended periods." (Page 421, Malware Threats Section)

The company wants to deploy an open WLAN for guests with the following requirements:

Guests connect without entering a password (open authentication).

Guests are redirected to a welcome web page and log in (captive portal).

Encryption is provided for devices that support it.

Open WLAN with Captive Portal: An open WLAN means no pre-shared key (PSK) or 802.1X authentication is required to connect. A captive portal can be used to redirect users to a web page where they must log in (e.g., with guest credentials). This meets the requirement for guests to connect without a password and then log in via a web page.

Encryption for Capable Devices: The company wants to provide encryption for devices that support it, even on an open WLAN. Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) is a WPA3 feature designed for open networks. OWE provides encryption without requiring a password by negotiating unique encryption keys for each client using a Diffie-Hellman key exchange. OWE in transition mode allows both OWE-capable devices (which use encryption) and non-OWE devices (which connect without encryption) to join the same SSID, ensuring compatibility.

Option A, "Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) and WPA3-Personal," is incorrect. WPA3-Personal requires a pre-shared key (password), which conflicts with the requirement for guests to connect without entering a password.

Option B, "Captive portal and WPA3-Personal," is incorrect for the same reason. WPA3-Personal requires a password, which does not meet the open WLAN requirement.

Option C, "WPA3-Personal and MAC-Auth," is incorrect. WPA3-Personal requires a password, and MAC authentication (MAC-Auth) does not provide the web-based login experience (captive portal) specified in the requirements.

Option D, "Captive portal and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) in transition mode," is correct. An open WLAN with OWE in transition mode allows guests to connect without a password, provides encryption for OWE-capable devices (e.g., WPA3 devices), and supports non-OWE devices without encryption. The captive portal ensures that guests are redirected to a welcome web page to log in, meeting all requirements.

The HPE Aruba Networking AOS-8 8.11 User Guide states:

"Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) is a WPA3 feature that provides encryption for open WLANs without requiring a password. In OWE transition mode, the WLAN supports both OWE-capable devices (which use encryption) and non-OWE devices (which connect without encryption) on the same SSID. This is ideal for guest networks where encryption is desired for capable devices, but compatibility with all devices is required. A captive portal can be configured on an open WLAN to redirect users to a login page, such as captive-portal guest-login, ensuring a seamless guest experience." (Page 290, OWE and Captive Portal Section)

Additionally, the HPE Aruba Networking Wireless Security Guide notes:

"OWE in transition mode is recommended for open guest WLANs where encryption is desired for devices that support it. Combined with a captive portal, this setup allows guests to connect without a password, get redirected to a login page, and benefit from encryption if their device supports OWE." (Page 35, Guest Network Security Section)

If clients cannot authenticate and there is no record of the authentication attempt in Aruba ClearPass Access Tracker, two possible problems that could cause this symptom are:

The RADIUS shared secret does not match between the switch and CPPM. This mismatch would prevent the switch and CPPM from successfully communicating, so authentication attempts would fail, and no record would appear in Access Tracker.

CPPM does not have a network device profile defined for the switch's IP address. Without a network device profile, CPPM would not recognize authentication attempts coming from the switch and would not process them, resulting in no logs in Access Tracker.

The other options are incorrect because:

Users logging in with the wrong credentials would still generate an attempt record in Access Tracker.

Clients configured to use a mismatched EAP method would also generate an attempt record in Access Tracker.

Clients not configured to trust the root CA certificate for CPPM's RADIUS/EAP certificate might fail authentication, but the attempt would still be logged in Access Tracker.

For following Aruba best security practices, the setting you should change is to disable local authentication. When integrating with an external RADIUS server like ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM) for authenticating administrative access to the Mobility Controller (MC), it is a best practice to rely on the external server rather than the local user database. This practice not only centralizes the management of user roles and access but also enhances security by leveraging CPPM's advanced authentication mechanisms.