CVE-2025-37157 is a command injection vulnerability identified in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Aruba Networking AOS-CX operating system, specifically affecting versions 10.10.0000 through 10.16.0000. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in command processing, classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). An authenticated remote attacker with local access to the device's management interface can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary commands, resulting in remote code execution (RCE). The CVSS v3.1 vector indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), with impacts on confidentiality and integrity but not availability. This means an attacker must have some form of authenticated access to the device's management interface or network segment but can then execute commands that compromise sensitive data and device configuration. The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been released at the time of publication (November 18, 2025). Given the critical role of AOS-CX in enterprise and service provider network infrastructure, exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate network traffic, intercept sensitive communications, or disrupt network operations indirectly by altering configurations. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the requirement for local access and the high impact on confidentiality and integrity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37157 could be significant, especially for those relying on HPE Aruba AOS-CX switches in their network infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, manipulation of network configurations, and potential lateral movement within the network. This could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of corporate data and communications. While availability is not directly affected, altered configurations could indirectly disrupt network services. Critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, government, and healthcare, which often deploy Aruba networking equipment, could face increased risks of espionage, data breaches, and operational disruptions. The requirement for authenticated local access somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments with insufficient network segmentation or weak access controls. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the medium CVSS score suggests organizations should not delay mitigation efforts.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Restrict access to the management interfaces of HPE Aruba AOS-CX devices to trusted administrators only, using strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). 2) Enforce strict network segmentation to isolate management networks from general user and guest networks, minimizing the risk of an attacker gaining local access. 3) Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual command execution or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Apply principle of least privilege to all accounts with access to AOS-CX devices, ensuring no unnecessary permissions are granted. 5) Prepare for patch deployment by maintaining close communication with HPE for updates and advisories, and test patches in controlled environments before production rollout. 6) Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on network infrastructure to identify potential exposure. 7) Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and the importance of securing management interfaces. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and patch readiness specific to the nature of this vulnerability.