How severe is CVE-2023-38486?

CVE-2023-38486 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2023-38486 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-38486?

CVE-2023-38486 affects Arubanetworks Arubaos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-38486?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-38486 published?

CVE-2023-38486 was published on 2023-09-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-38486

CVE-2023-38486 is a high-severity vulnerability in Arubanetworks Arubaos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-863.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.7)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (22nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-863
Affected product: Arubanetworks Arubaos
Published: 2023-09-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A vulnerability in the secure boot implementation on affected Aruba 9200 and 9000 Series Controllers and Gateways allows an attacker to bypass security controls which would normally prohibit unsigned kernel images from executing. An attacker can use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary runtime operating systems, including unverified and unsigned OS images.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-38486?: A vulnerability in the secure boot implementation on affected Aruba 9200 and 9000 Series Controllers and Gateways allows an attacker to bypass security controls which would normally prohibit unsigned kernel images from executing. An attacker can use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary runtime operating systems, including unverified and unsigned OS images.
How severe is CVE-2023-38486?: CVE-2023-38486 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.7, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2023-38486 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-38486?: CVE-2023-38486 affects Arubanetworks Arubaos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-38486?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-38486 published?: CVE-2023-38486 was published on 2023-09-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.arubanetworks.com/assets/alert/ARUBA-PSA-2023-014.txt

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:arubanetworks:arubaos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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