CVE-2026-73782 in AOS-CX
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2026
A format string vulnerability exists in the command line interface of AOS-CX that could lead to unauthenticated remote code execution. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in the ability to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2026
The identified flaw represents a critical security deficiency within the command line interface of Aruba OS-CX, specifically manifesting as a format string vulnerability. This type of error occurs when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before passing it to functions that interpret formatting specifiers, such as printf-style routines in C-based systems. In this context, an attacker who is unauthenticated can craft specific malicious inputs containing special characters like percent signs and pointer arguments. When the vulnerable function processes these inputs without adequate checks, it interprets them not merely as literal text but as instructions to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations on the stack. This fundamental breakdown in input validation allows for a severe breach of system integrity, transforming what might appear as simple command line interaction into a powerful exploitation vector that bypasses standard authentication mechanisms entirely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is profound due to its potential for unauthenticated remote code execution. Because the flaw resides within the CLI component which often runs with elevated privileges or interacts directly with privileged subsystems, successful exploitation grants an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as a user with high-level permissions. This effectively compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network device. An adversary could leverage this access to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive configuration data, pivot into other parts of the internal network, or disrupt critical services by manipulating system processes. The absence of required authentication significantly lowers the barrier for entry, allowing any entity with network connectivity to the management interface to potentially gain full control over the infrastructure without needing valid credentials.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-134, which describes the use of externally-controlled format strings in programming languages like C and C++. This category highlights risks associated with improper neutralization of format specifiers passed to dangerous functions. Furthermore, the exploitation technique maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to command line interface abuse and potentially privilege escalation through memory corruption or arbitrary code execution. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted network packets that trigger the vulnerable CLI handler, exploiting the mismatch between expected input formats and actual user-supplied data structures. This misalignment enables the attacker to manipulate the program counter or read sensitive kernel information, facilitating further stages of post-exploitation activities such as lateral movement within the enterprise environment.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary defense is the deployment of vendor-provided software updates that patch the specific code path responsible for handling CLI input. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected Aruba OS-CX devices, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing management interfaces. In scenarios where immediate patching is not feasible due to operational constraints, network-level controls such as strict access control lists (ACLs) restricting SSH and HTTP/HTTPS traffic to only authorized administrative subnets can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing input validation frameworks that enforce strict type checking and limit string lengths before processing can prevent similar format string issues in future development cycles. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on management interfaces are also essential to detect any residual risks or misconfigurations that might expose this class of vulnerabilities.