Description
A vulnerability has been identified in the web-based management interface of AOS-CX switches that could potentially allow an unauthenticated remote actor to circumvent existing authentication controls. In some cases this could enable resetting the admin password.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2026-11079
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in the web-based management interface of AOS-CX switches is critical. The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score of 9.8 indicates a high severity level. The vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill or resources to exploit.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No prior authentication is needed to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not change the security scope.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - The vulnerability allows for significant breaches of availability.
Given these metrics, the vulnerability poses a severe risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector is through the web-based management interface of the AOS-CX switches. An unauthenticated remote actor could exploit this vulnerability by:
- Bypassing Authentication Controls: The actor could circumvent existing authentication mechanisms, potentially allowing them to reset the admin password.
- Network Scanning: The actor could scan for vulnerable AOS-CX switches on the network and attempt to exploit the vulnerability.
- Phishing and Social Engineering: Combining this vulnerability with social engineering tactics could increase the likelihood of a successful attack.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects the following versions of AOS-CX switches:
- 10.13.0000 ≤ 10.13.1101
- 10.16.0000 ≤ 10.16.1020
- 10.17.0000 ≤ 10.17.0001
- 10.10.0000 ≤ 10.10.1170
Organizations using these versions are at risk and should prioritize mitigation efforts.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Patch Management: Immediately apply the latest patches and updates provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
- Network Segmentation: Isolate the management interfaces of AOS-CX switches from public networks to limit exposure.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and monitoring for the management interfaces.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activities targeting the management interfaces.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant threat to European organizations using AOS-CX switches. Given the critical nature of network switches in enterprise environments, a successful exploit could lead to:
- Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Service Disruptions: Interruptions in network services affecting business operations.
- Compliance Issues: Potential violations of data protection regulations such as GDPR.
Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to maintain the integrity and security of their networks.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
For security professionals, the following technical details are pertinent:
- Detection: Implement network monitoring tools to detect unusual traffic patterns targeting the management interfaces of AOS-CX switches.
- Logging: Enable detailed logging for the management interfaces to capture any suspicious activities.
- Incident Response: Develop and test incident response plans specific to this vulnerability to ensure quick and effective mitigation in case of an attack.
- Vendor Communication: Stay in close communication with HPE for updates and additional guidance on mitigating this vulnerability.
By following these recommendations and staying vigilant, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by this critical vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the web-based management interface of AOS-CX switches is a high-risk issue that requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems, implementing robust security controls, and maintaining vigilant monitoring to protect against potential exploits. The European cybersecurity landscape will benefit from proactive measures to address this vulnerability, ensuring the continued security and integrity of network infrastructures.