CVE-2025-37105 is a high-severity remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Hewlett Packard Enterprise's AutoPass License Server (APLS) versions prior to 9.18. The vulnerability is related to the use of hsqldb, an embedded Java SQL database, within the APLS product. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction. According to the CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:A/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N), the attack vector is adjacent network, meaning the attacker must have access to the same local or logically adjacent network segment as the vulnerable server. The attack complexity is high, indicating that exploitation requires specific conditions or expertise. However, no privileges or user interaction are required, increasing the risk if an attacker gains network proximity. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level, as arbitrary code execution can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The affected product, HPE AutoPass License Server, is used to manage software licenses for HPE products, making it a critical component in enterprise environments that rely on HPE solutions. The use of hsqldb suggests the vulnerability may stem from improper input validation or unsafe database query handling, allowing injection or manipulation leading to code execution.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for enterprises and service providers that utilize HPE AutoPass License Server to manage licenses for critical HPE infrastructure and software. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on license servers, potentially leading to unauthorized access to license management data, disruption of license validation processes, and broader network compromise if the license server is integrated within critical IT infrastructure. This could result in operational downtime, financial losses due to license mismanagement or denial of service, and exposure of sensitive business information. Additionally, since the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, it could be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. The adjacent network attack vector means that internal threat actors or attackers who have gained limited network access could exploit this flaw. Given the reliance on HPE products in sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and government in Europe, the vulnerability poses a tangible risk to business continuity and data security.

European organizations should prioritize the following mitigation steps: 1) Immediately inventory and identify all instances of HPE AutoPass License Server in their environment to assess exposure. 2) Monitor HPE security advisories closely for the release of official patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-37105 and apply them promptly upon availability. 3) Restrict network access to the AutoPass License Server to trusted hosts and networks only, using network segmentation and firewall rules to limit adjacent network exposure. 4) Implement strict network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous activities targeting the license server, especially unusual database queries or code execution attempts. 5) Employ application-layer firewalls or web application firewalls (WAFs) that can detect and block suspicious input patterns related to hsqldb exploitation. 6) Conduct internal security assessments and penetration tests focusing on the license server to identify potential exploitation paths. 7) Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability specifics to ensure rapid incident response capability. 8) Consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling unnecessary services or interfaces on the license server until patches are applied.