CVE-2025-37100 in Aruba Networking Private 5G Core
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2025
A vulnerability in the APIs of HPE Aruba Networking Private 5G Core could potentially expose sensitive information to unauthorized users. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker to iteratively navigate through the filesystem and ultimately download protected system files containing sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-37100 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the HPE Aruba Networking Private 5G Core platform's application programming interfaces. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that govern how API endpoints handle file system navigation requests. The vulnerability specifically affects the core network infrastructure components that manage 5G connectivity services, making it particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of telecommunications data and network configurations. Security researchers have identified that the affected system fails to properly sanitize user inputs when processing file access requests through its API interfaces, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal authorization controls. The flaw manifests when the system processes directory traversal sequences that should be rejected but are instead interpreted as legitimate navigation commands, enabling attackers to explore system directories beyond their intended scope.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a systematic approach that leverages the lack of proper path validation within the API framework. Attackers can construct malicious API requests containing sequences such as "../" or similar traversal patterns that, when processed by the vulnerable system, allow iterative navigation through the file system hierarchy. This capability extends beyond simple file listing to enable full download operations of sensitive system files including configuration data, authentication credentials, network topology information, and potentially proprietary network management scripts. The vulnerability operates at the API layer where the system should enforce strict boundaries on file access operations, but instead permits unconstrained directory traversal that can lead to complete system compromise. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and frequently appears in web application security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of 5G core network infrastructure. Unauthorized access to system files can provide attackers with comprehensive knowledge of network architecture, potentially enabling them to identify additional vulnerabilities within the network ecosystem. The exposure of configuration files may reveal network segmentation details, authentication mechanisms, and system credentials that could facilitate further attacks within the telecommunications infrastructure. Given that 5G core networks handle vast amounts of sensitive data including personal communications, industrial control signals, and critical infrastructure information, the potential for cascading security incidents is significant. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations, network disruption, or even complete system compromise. This risk is amplified by the fact that 5G networks operate in environments where security is paramount, including government facilities, critical infrastructure sectors, and enterprise networks handling sensitive communications.
Organizations utilizing HPE Aruba Networking Private 5G Core systems should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability while working toward permanent solutions. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict input validation mechanisms that filter out all directory traversal sequences before they can be processed by the API endpoints. Network administrators should also deploy API gateway solutions that can monitor and restrict file access patterns, implementing rate limiting and access control rules to prevent iterative navigation attempts. Additionally, the system should enforce principle of least privilege for API access, ensuring that only authorized components can request file system operations. Regular security audits should be conducted to verify that no unauthorized access paths exist within the API framework. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if one component is compromised, the attacker cannot easily navigate to other sensitive areas of the network infrastructure. The mitigation strategy should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance and credential access phases, particularly focusing on preventing initial access and limiting lateral movement within the network environment.