CVE-2026-23598 is a vulnerability identified in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Aruba Networking Private 5G Core server API, specifically in the error handling mechanism. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to trigger error responses that inadvertently disclose sensitive internal information. This includes user account details, role assignments, system configuration data, and insights into internal services and workflows. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, it results in a high impact on availability by causing denial of service conditions. The disclosed information can be leveraged by attackers to map the system environment and identify potential vectors for privilege escalation or unauthorized access, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities. The affected product version is 1.24.3.0, and as of the publication date, no active exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, reflecting its medium severity, with attack vector being adjacent network (AV:A), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). This suggests that exploitation requires network proximity but no authentication or user action. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations deploying private 5G networks using HPE Aruba solutions, which are increasingly adopted in enterprise and telecom sectors for secure, localized 5G connectivity.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the availability and operational stability of private 5G core networks deployed using HPE Aruba solutions. The denial of service impact could disrupt critical communications infrastructure, affecting business continuity, especially in sectors relying on private 5G for industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and secure communications. The information disclosure aspect increases the risk of targeted attacks by revealing system internals, potentially facilitating lateral movement or privilege escalation. This is significant for industries with stringent security requirements such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Given the growing adoption of private 5G networks in Europe, exploitation could lead to operational disruptions and increased attack surface for advanced persistent threats. The lack of known exploits currently limits immediate risk, but the potential for chained attacks elevates the concern.

Organizations should prioritize applying security patches from HPE as soon as they become available for version 1.24.3.0 and subsequent releases. Until patches are deployed, it is critical to restrict access to the affected API endpoints to trusted network segments only, employing network segmentation and strict firewall rules to limit exposure. Implement robust monitoring and logging of API access to detect anomalous or unauthorized requests indicative of exploitation attempts. Employ network-level protections such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned for private 5G environments. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on private 5G core components to identify and remediate potential chained vulnerabilities. Additionally, enforce strong authentication and authorization controls on management interfaces and APIs to minimize the impact of information disclosure. Collaborate with HPE support and security advisories to stay informed about updates and best practices.