AOS-CX: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-73771 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in AOS-CX from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected AOS-CX versions: 10.18.0000 through 10.18.0001; 10.17.0000 through 10.17.1021; 10.16.0000 through 10.16.1051, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.47% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of AOS-CX you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on support.hpe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise | AOS-CX | 10.18.0000 through 10.18.0001; 10.17.0000 through 10.17.1021; 10.16.0000 through 10.16.1051; 10.13.0000 through 10.13.1180; 10.10.0000 through 10.10.1180 | Not stated |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise | Arubaos-cx | 10.10.1180 and earlier; 10.13.0000 through 10.13.1180; 10.16.0000 through 10.16.1051; 10.17.0000 through 10.17.1021; 10.18.0001 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hpe.com).
Official description
An authentication vulnerability exists in the AOS-CX management interface and API that may allow improper authentication processing. An unauthenticated remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability under specific conditions to bypass authentication controls or exhaust system resources. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access or denial of service affecting the management interface.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in AOS-CX
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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