CVE-2025-37156 identifies a platform-level denial-of-service vulnerability in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's ArubaOS-CX software, versions 10.10.0000 through 10.16.0000. The vulnerability allows an attacker with administrative privileges to execute specific code that causes the affected network switch to become non-bootable, effectively rendering the device inoperable. This attack targets the availability of the switch, disrupting network operations dependent on the device. The vulnerability requires network access and high-level privileges, but no user interaction is necessary. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.8, reflecting a medium severity with a vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity but causes a high impact on availability. No public exploits are known at this time, but the potential for disruption in critical network infrastructure is significant. ArubaOS-CX is widely used in enterprise and data center environments for network switching, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations relying on these devices for core network connectivity. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to access controls and monitoring to mitigate risk until updates are released.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37156 could be substantial, especially for those relying on HPE ArubaOS-CX switches in their core network infrastructure. A successful exploitation would cause network switches to become non-bootable, leading to network outages and service disruptions. This could affect enterprise operations, data centers, and critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and government services. The denial-of-service condition could result in downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial losses. Since the attack requires administrative access, insider threats or compromised credentials pose a significant risk. The disruption of network availability could also impact compliance with regulatory requirements around service continuity and incident response. European organizations with complex network environments and high dependency on Aruba switches must consider the operational risks and prepare incident response plans accordingly.

1. Apply patches and updates from Hewlett Packard Enterprise as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 2. Restrict administrative access to ArubaOS-CX devices using strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. 3. Isolate management interfaces on dedicated, secure networks to minimize exposure to potential attackers. 4. Monitor network device logs and management traffic for unusual activity that could indicate attempts to exploit the vulnerability. 5. Regularly audit administrative accounts and credentials to detect and remove unauthorized access. 6. Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device on the broader network. 7. Develop and test incident response procedures specifically for network device failures to ensure rapid recovery. 8. Engage with HPE support and subscribe to security advisories to stay informed about updates and mitigation guidance.