CVE-2026-73748 Overview
CVE-2026-73748 is an information disclosure vulnerability in HPE Networking Fabric Composer (formerly Aruba Networks Fabric Composer). The flaw allows an authenticated attacker with administrative privileges to access sensitive information stored in cleartext through an affected interface. The exposed data could include credentials or configuration details supporting connected network services.
The issue maps to CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. While exploitation requires high privileges and elevated attack complexity, the disclosed information could be used as a stepping stone to compromise additional services managed by Fabric Composer.
Critical Impact
An administrative attacker can retrieve cleartext sensitive information from HPE Networking Fabric Composer that may facilitate lateral movement into downstream network services.
Affected Products
- HPE Networking Fabric Composer (Aruba Networks Fabric Composer)
- All versions prior to the fixed release identified in the HPE security advisory
- CPE: cpe:2.3:a:arubanetworks:fabric_composer:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-01 - CVE-2026-73748 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-09-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-73748
Vulnerability Analysis
HPE Networking Fabric Composer is a management platform that automates data center network fabric provisioning and lifecycle operations. An affected interface in the product exposes sensitive information in cleartext to users holding administrative privileges. Rather than storing or presenting secrets in an encrypted or masked form, the interface returns them in plaintext.
The attack vector is network-based, and no user interaction is required. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality only. Integrity and availability remain unaffected. The disclosed content, however, can extend an attacker's reach into other network services that Fabric Composer administers.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper protection of sensitive data at rest or in transit through a management interface. CWE-312 describes cases where an application stores sensitive information without applying cryptographic or access-based safeguards. In this instance, credentials or configuration secrets accessible via Fabric Composer are not masked, hashed, or encrypted before administrative retrieval.
Attack Vector
An attacker must first obtain administrative credentials for the Fabric Composer instance. From an authenticated session, the attacker queries the affected interface and reads cleartext values that should have been protected. The retrieved information can then be reused against integrated switches, controllers, or automation endpoints managed by Fabric Composer.
No verified public exploit code is available. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the HPE Security Advisory for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-73748
Indicators of Compromise
- Administrative sessions on Fabric Composer that access configuration or credential-related endpoints outside of routine operational windows
- Repeated GET requests from a single administrator account to interfaces returning secret material
- Reuse of Fabric Composer-managed credentials on downstream switches or controllers from unexpected source hosts
Detection Strategies
- Audit Fabric Composer access logs for administrative accounts retrieving configuration data that includes secrets
- Correlate authentication events across Fabric Composer and the network devices it manages to identify credential reuse patterns
- Compare current administrator activity against a baseline of routine management actions and flag deviations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Fabric Composer audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation
- Alert on any administrative API calls that return credential fields or connection strings
- Monitor for logins to managed network services using credentials that Fabric Composer stores
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-73748
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version referenced in the HPE Security Advisory as soon as it is available in your change window
- Restrict administrative access to Fabric Composer to a minimum set of named accounts and jump hosts
- Rotate any credentials that Fabric Composer stores or manages after patching, in case they were previously exposed
Patch Information
HPE has published a security advisory (hpesbnw05133en_us) covering CVE-2026-73748. Refer to the HPE Security Advisory for the fixed release version and remediation guidance specific to your Fabric Composer deployment.
Workarounds
- Enforce multi-factor authentication for all Fabric Composer administrator accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise
- Segment the Fabric Composer management network so only authorized operator subnets can reach the administrative interface
- Review role assignments and remove standing administrative privileges from accounts that do not require them
- Increase audit logging verbosity on the management interface until the patch is deployed
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
