ArubaOS (AOS): Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-79881 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in ArubaOS (AOS) from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.3 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 ArubaOS (AOS) versions: 8.13.0.0 through 8.13.3.0; 8.10.0.0 through 8.10.0.23. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.44% 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 ArubaOS (AOS) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 | ArubaOS (AOS) | 8.13.0.0 through 8.13.3.0; 8.10.0.0 through 8.10.0.23 | 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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hpe.com).
Official description
An authentication bypass vulnerability in the underlying operating system of AOS-8 could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to circumvent existing authentication controls. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system leading to complete system compromise.
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 ArubaOS (AOS)
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
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