HPE Warns of Aruba Hardcoded Credentials Allowing Attackers to Bypass Device Authentication

A critical vulnerability in Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Aruba Networking Instant On Access Points could allow attackers to bypass device authentication mechanisms completely. 

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-37103, stems from hardcoded login credentials embedded within the devices’ software, presenting a severe security risk with a maximum CVSS score of 9.8. 

Key Takeaways
1. HPE Aruba Access Points have hardcoded credentials allowing authentication bypass.
2. Instant On Access Points firmware 3.2.0.1 and below are affected.
3. Update to firmware 3.2.1.0+ via automatic or manual upgrade.

This flaw affects HPE Networking Instant On Access Points running software version 3.2.0.1 and below, potentially exposing countless enterprise networks to unauthorized administrative access.

Overview of Hardcoded Credentials Vulnerability

The hardcoded credentials vulnerability was discovered by researcher “ZZ” of the Ubisectech Sirius Team through HPE Aruba Networking’s Bug Bounty program. 

This credential exposure effectively hardwires a default username and password into the firmware’s authentication module. 

When an attacker supplies these credentials embedded within the device’s web interface, they can bypass routine login procedures without any additional privileges or interaction. 

The advisory clarifies that the issue is specific to Aruba Networking Instant On Access Points operating on firmware versions up to and including 3.2.0.1; Instant On Switches are not impacted. 

Exploitation of CVE-2025-37103 grants administrative access, exposing system configurations, network traffic, and device management interfaces to potential tampering or payload injection.

At the core of CVE-2025-37103 lies a function in the Instant On Access Point firmware responsible for validating web interface credentials. The pseudo-code below illustrates the flawed logic:

In this scenario, any remote actor aware of the static credentials “admin” and “default123” can invoke authenticate() over HTTPS or HTTP and gain privileged session tokens without triggering multifactor or additional security checks.

HPE reports no public exploits targeting this flaw as of the advisory’s July 8, 2025, release, but warns that proof-of-concept code could emerge rapidly given the low technical hurdles.

Mitigations

HPE’s official resolution mandates upgrading all affected Instant On Access Points to firmware version 3.2.1.0 or later. 

The update removes the hardcoded credential branch from the authenticate() routine and enforces robust credential management policies aligned with best practices. 

Customers who have enabled automatic updates between June 30 and July 17, 2025, need not take additional steps; otherwise, manual intervention via the Instant On mobile app or web portal will deploy the patch. 

No interim workarounds exist, so network administrators are urged to prioritize firmware upgrades. As a precaution, organizations should audit access logs for suspicious web interface logins and segment management traffic to trusted administrative VLANs.

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