ArubaOS (AOS): Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2026-79890 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in ArubaOS (AOS) from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. 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 0.96% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 62% of scored 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.
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hpe.com).
Official description
There are command injection vulnerabilities in AOS-8 that could lead to unauthenticated remote code execution by sending specially crafted PAPI packets. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in the ability to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
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 Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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