Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) has recently addressed a critical security vulnerability in its Instant On Access Points, identified as CVE-2025-37103. This flaw, with a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10, involves hard-coded login credentials embedded within the devices’ firmware. Such credentials can be exploited by attackers to bypass standard authentication mechanisms, granting them administrative access to the affected systems.
Understanding the Vulnerability
Hard-coded credentials refer to fixed usernames and passwords programmed directly into a device’s software or firmware. While intended for initial setup or maintenance, if not properly managed, they can become significant security liabilities. In the case of HPE’s Instant On Access Points, the presence of these credentials means that anyone aware of them can gain unauthorized access, effectively bypassing normal authentication processes.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of this vulnerability could have severe consequences:
– Unauthorized Access: Attackers can gain full administrative control over the device, allowing them to alter configurations, monitor network traffic, or disrupt services.
– Network Compromise: With control over the access point, malicious actors can infiltrate the broader network, potentially accessing sensitive data or deploying further attacks.
– Operational Disruption: Unauthorized changes or disruptions can lead to network downtime, affecting business operations and potentially causing financial losses.
Additional Related Vulnerability
Alongside CVE-2025-37103, HPE has also patched another significant vulnerability:
– CVE-2025-37102: This is an authenticated command injection flaw in the command-line interface of the HPE Networking Instant On Access Points. With a CVSS score of 7.2, this vulnerability allows attackers with elevated permissions to execute arbitrary commands on the device’s operating system. When combined with CVE-2025-37103, an attacker could first gain administrative access and then execute malicious commands, amplifying the potential damage.
Mitigation Measures
To address these vulnerabilities, HPE has released software version 3.2.1.0 and later for the Instant On Access Points. Users are strongly advised to:
1. Update Firmware: Immediately upgrade to the latest firmware version to patch the vulnerabilities.
2. Review Security Configurations: Regularly audit device configurations to ensure no default or hard-coded credentials are in use.
3. Implement Strong Authentication: Utilize robust, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication to enhance security.
4. Monitor Network Activity: Keep an eye on network logs for any unusual or unauthorized access attempts.
5. Restrict Access: Limit network access to these devices to only necessary personnel and systems.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices, especially concerning credential management. Hard-coded credentials, while sometimes convenient for initial setups, pose significant security risks if not properly managed or removed post-deployment. Organizations must prioritize the identification and elimination of such vulnerabilities to safeguard their networks and data.
Conclusion
The discovery of hard-coded credentials in HPE’s Instant On Access Points serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks embedded within network devices. By promptly updating firmware, reviewing security configurations, and adhering to best practices, organizations can mitigate these risks and ensure the integrity and security of their network infrastructures.
