CVE-2025-36609 is a vulnerability identified in Dell SmartFabric OS10 Software versions prior to 10.6.0.5. The issue is classified under CWE-259, which involves the use of hard-coded passwords within the software. Specifically, this vulnerability allows a low-privileged attacker who has local access to the affected system to potentially exploit the hard-coded password to elevate their privileges. The presence of a hard-coded password means that the attacker can bypass normal authentication mechanisms by using a fixed password embedded in the software code, which is not intended to be changed or configured by the user. This can lead to unauthorized access to higher privilege levels, potentially allowing the attacker to perform administrative actions on the device. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 2.5, indicating a low severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N) shows that the attack requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and results in low confidentiality impact (C:L) with no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no patches are listed yet. The vulnerability affects Dell's SmartFabric OS10, a network operating system used in data center and enterprise networking environments to manage switches and fabric infrastructure. The hard-coded password could be embedded in management interfaces or system components, making it a potential vector for privilege escalation if an attacker gains local access to the device.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the deployment of Dell SmartFabric OS10 within their network infrastructure. Organizations using this software in their data centers or enterprise networks could face risks if an attacker gains local access to the affected devices. The elevation of privileges could allow attackers to modify network configurations, disrupt network operations, or gain further access to sensitive data traversing the network. Although the confidentiality impact is rated low, unauthorized administrative access could lead to indirect impacts such as network downtime or exposure of sensitive network management information. Given the high attack complexity and requirement for local access, remote exploitation is unlikely, reducing the risk from external attackers. However, insider threats or attackers who have already compromised a low-privileged account or device within the network could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. This could be particularly concerning for critical infrastructure providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises in Europe that rely on Dell networking equipment for their operations.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize upgrading Dell SmartFabric OS10 Software to version 10.6.0.5 or later once it becomes available, as this version addresses the hard-coded password issue. Until patches are released, organizations should implement strict physical and logical access controls to limit local access to network devices running the affected software. This includes enforcing strong authentication mechanisms for device access, restricting console and management port access to authorized personnel only, and monitoring for unusual login attempts or privilege escalations. Network segmentation can also help contain potential exploitation by isolating management interfaces from general user networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular audits of device configurations and credentials to detect any unauthorized changes. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activities on devices with local access can further reduce risk. Finally, educating staff about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and insider threats can help prevent exploitation.