Free Practice Questions for HP HPE7-A02 Exam

When Wireless IDS/IPS infrastructure detection reports RTS (Request to Send) and CTS (Clear to Send) rate anomalies triggered by neighboring APs, it is often an indication of unusual, but not necessarily malicious, behavior. These anomalies can be caused by neighboring APs operating normally but under specific conditions that trigger the alerts. Before assuming a security threat, it is recommended to tune the event thresholds to better match the environment and reduce false positives. This approach helps to distinguish between normal operations and potential DoS attacks.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation

Traffic Match Evaluation Order:

The rules are processed in sequential order, and the first rule that matches is applied.

The added rule only denies SSH traffic to 10.1.4.0/23. Since 10.1.11.42 is not within the 10.1.4.0/23 subnet, this rule does not apply.

Next Matching Rule:

Rule 2 permits traffic to the 10.1.6.0/23 network, but this does not include 10.1.11.42.

Rule 3 denies traffic to the broader 10.1.0.0/16 network and logs it. Since 10.1.11.42 falls under this range, this rule applies, and the traffic would be logged and dropped.

Logging and Denylist Actions:

The denylist action in the new rule only applies to SSH traffic to 10.1.4.0/23. Since the destination is outside that range, the denylist is not triggered.

References

Aruba AOS-10 Role and Firewall Rules Documentation.

HPE Aruba Central Configuration Best Practices Guide.

To control which commands managers are allowed to enter on AOS-CX switches using HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM) as a TACACS+ server, you need to add the Shell service to the TACACS+ enforcement profiles for the managers. This service allows you to define and enforce specific command sets and access privileges for users authenticated via TACACS+. By configuring the Shell service in the enforcement profile, you can specify the commands that are permitted or denied for the managers, ensuring controlled and secure access to the switch's command-line interface.

Integration of CPDI and CPPM for Zero Trust:

CPDI (ClearPass Device Insight) identifies and profiles devices and applications on the network.

CPDI can tag devices based on their behavior or detected applications.

CPPM uses these tags to enforce policies, such as quarantining clients that violate security rules (e.g., using prohibited applications).

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. CPPM does not inform CPDI about role assignments; CPDI provides device context to CPPM.

Option B: Correct. CPDI tags clients, and CPPM uses those tags to enforce quarantine or other Zero Trust actions.

Option C: Incorrect. Custom fingerprint definitions are not part of this integration.

Option D: Incorrect. CPDI provides information about devices, not user identities.

MAC Spoofing Detection with Endpoint Conflict:

When two devices attempt to use the same MAC address, ClearPass identifies a Conflict state in the Endpoints Repository.

This condition can be used to detect and quarantine clients that spoof legitimate devices.

Option D: Correct. The Conflict EQUALS true condition identifies devices with duplicate MAC addresses.

Option A: Incorrect. Endpoint compliance checks posture, not MAC spoofing.

Option B: Incorrect. Device Insight Tags are used for profiling but do not identify conflicts.

Option C: Incorrect. Compromised devices relate to security incidents, not MAC address conflicts.

When WPA3 with 802.1X authentication is enforced on an HPE Aruba Networking WLAN, the authentication process strictly adheres to security standards. Here’s how the process works:

1. 802.1X Authentication Workflow in WPA3

The client must provide valid credentials (such as certificates or username/password) to authenticate with the RADIUS server via 802.1X.

If the client fails authentication (e.g., due to invalid credentials or lack of proper configuration), the 802.1X handshake fails, and the AP terminates the connection.

2. Role Assignment in WLANs

Default Role: The role assigned to authenticated clients after a successful 802.1X authentication. It is not applied to unauthenticated clients.

Critical Role: This is a fallback role applied when there are issues communicating with the RADIUS server, not when authentication fails.

Initial Role: A temporary role assigned to clients before authentication completes. However, this role is removed once the authentication process determines failure.

3. Behavior Upon Authentication Failure

In the case of an authentication failure, the client does not get assigned to any role (default, critical, or initial) because it does not meet the conditions for network access.

The client is dropped immediately, and no further communication is allowed until reauthentication is attempted.

Explanation of Each Option

A. The AP assigns the client to the WLAN's default role:

Incorrect: The default role applies only after successful authentication, not in case of authentication failure.

B. The AP drops the client because authentication aborts:

Correct: If the client fails authentication, the AP terminates the connection without assigning any roles.

C. The AP assigns the client to the WLAN's critical role:

Incorrect: The critical role is used when the AP cannot reach the RADIUS server, not when authentication fails.

D. The AP assigns the client to the WLAN's initial role:

Incorrect: The initial role is applied during the authentication process, but it is not retained after a failed authentication.

References

Aruba Central WLAN Configuration Guide.

WPA3 and 802.1X Authentication Best Practices in Aruba Networks.

Aruba AP Role Assignment Workflow Documentation.

In the exhibit, the HPE Aruba Networking Central settings for the 9x00 gateway show that traffic inspection is enabled, and the gateway is set to operate in IDS (Intrusion Detection System) mode with the fail strategy set to "Block". This configuration means that the gateway will drop traffic if it matches a rule in the active ruleset.

1.Active Ruleset: The ruleset version 9861 is active, and the gateway is configured to automatically update the ruleset daily.

2.Traffic Matching Rules: When traffic matches a rule in the active ruleset, it is flagged as suspicious or malicious.

3.Block Mode: Since the fail strategy is set to "Block", any traffic that matches a rule in the active ruleset will be dropped to prevent potential threats.

The "Detect Valid SSID Misuse" event in Aruba's Wireless Intrusion Detection System (WIDS) indicates that a valid SSID, associated with your network, is being broadcast from an unauthorized source. This scenario often signals a potential rogue access point attempting to deceive clients into connecting to it (e.g., for credential harvesting or man-in-the-middle attacks).

1. Explanation of Each Option

A. Clients are failing to authenticate to corporate SSIDs. You should first check for misconfigured authentication settings and then investigate a possible threat:

Incorrect:

This event is not related to authentication failures by legitimate clients.

Misconfigured authentication settings would lead to events like "authentication failures" or "radius issues," not "valid SSID misuse."

B. Admins have likely misconfigured SSID security settings on some of the company's APs. You should have them check those settings:

Incorrect:

This event refers to an external device broadcasting your SSID, not misconfiguration on the company’s authorized APs.

WIDS differentiates between valid corporate APs and rogue APs.

C. Hackers are likely trying to pose as authorized APs. You should use the detecting radio information and immediately track down the device that triggered the event:

Correct:

This is the most likely cause of the "detect valid SSID misuse" event. A rogue AP broadcasting a corporate SSID could lure clients into connecting to it, exposing sensitive credentials or traffic.

Immediate action includes:

Using the radio information from the event logs to identify the rogue AP's location.

Physically locating and removing the rogue device.

Strengthening WIPS/WIDS policies to prevent further misuse.

D. This event might be a threat but is almost always a false positive. You should wait to see the event over several days before following up on it:

Incorrect:

While false positives are possible, "valid SSID misuse" is a critical security event that should not be ignored.

Delaying action increases the risk of successful attacks against your network.

2. Recommended Steps to Address the Event

Review Event Logs:

Gather details about the rogue AP, such as SSID, MAC address, channel, and signal strength.

Locate the Rogue Device:

Use the detecting AP's radio information and signal strength to triangulate the rogue AP's physical location.

Respond to the Threat:

Remove or disable the rogue device.

Notify the security team for further investigation.

Prevent Future Misuse:

Strengthen security policies, such as enabling client whitelists or enhancing WIPS protection.

References

Aruba WIDS/WIPS Configuration and Best Practices Guide.

Aruba Central Security Event Analysis Documentation.

Wireless Threat Management Using Aruba Networks.

When enabling Wireless IDS/IPS infrastructure and client detection at a high level on HPE Aruba Networking APs without enabling prevention settings, HPE Aruba Networking recommends configuring detection at a custom level and adjusting settings to minimize false positives. This approach allows for effective monitoring while reducing the risk of unnecessary alerts and maintaining the accuracy of detections.

1.Custom Level Configuration: By customizing the detection settings, you can tailor the system to your specific environment, ensuring that only relevant threats are detected and reducing false positives.

2.False Positive Reduction: Disabling or tuning settings that are likely to produce false positives helps in maintaining the reliability of the detection system and prevents alert fatigue.

3.Focused Detection: Custom configuration ensures that the IDS/IPS focuses on critical detections, improving overall security posture.