External risk intelligence

HPE ClearPass Policy Manager Web Interface Untrusted Data Deserialization Vulnerability Executes Code

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-76750

HPE ClearPass Policy Manager is an identity management and access control platform. Its web interface is designed to be a network-facing service for managing authentication, making it a common public or edge-facing endpoint in network deployments.

Deserialization

Halo Surface Signal: 5 out of 5 — more likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the web interface of HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. This issue affects a system used for identity management and access control, which often serves as a network-facing service.

Remote code execution via untrusted data.
Affects critical access control and identity management.
Confirm relevance and potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An unauthenticated attacker could exploit a flaw in the web interface of HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager to execute arbitrary code. This occurs when the system deserializes untrusted data, meaning it processes data from an unknown source in a way that can lead to malicious code execution. If successful, this vulnerability could give an attacker significant control over the affected system.

Requires network access and no user interaction.
Vulnerable deserialization in web interface.
Unauthenticated remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability in HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager's web interface could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system when exposed to the network. This could lead to a complete compromise of the affected ClearPass Policy Manager instance.

System code execution on ClearPass Policy Manager.
Via network-exposed web interface.
Full system compromise is possible.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit deserialization vulnerabilities in HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager's web interface to execute arbitrary code. Technical leaders and security teams should prioritize identifying all instances of ClearPass Policy Manager within their environment. The next crucial step involves confirming network exposure and business criticality to accurately assess risk and plan a coordinated remediation effort, potentially involving vendor engagement.

Ownership likely falls to infrastructure or platform teams.
Verify network exposure and business criticality first.
Plan remediation, coordinating with HPE if needed.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is HPE Networking ClearPass Policy Manager?

ClearPass Policy Manager is an identity management and network access control platform. Organizations use it to authenticate users and devices, manage network security policies, and enforce access rules across their infrastructure. It acts as a gatekeeper that verifies the identity and health of endpoints before granting them access to network resources.

What does deserialization of untrusted data mean for CVE-2026-76750?

This is a weakness where the software takes data from an outside source and converts it back into an object without proper validation. Because the system trusts this input blindly, an attacker can craft malicious data that tricks the application into executing unauthorized commands. In this specific case, it allows for remote code execution.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this by sending specially crafted data to the web interface of the ClearPass system. This process does not require the attacker to have valid login credentials or for a legitimate user to perform any actions. It will not be triggered if the system is not reachable over the network or if the specific deserialization endpoints are disabled or blocked.

Is my ClearPass instance at risk?

Your risk level is higher if your web interface is reachable over the network. According to Halo Surface Signal, ClearPass Policy Manager is designed as an identity management platform, which frequently makes it a network-facing or edge-service in many deployments. You should verify if your specific implementation is accessible to unauthorized networks or the internet.

What should I do to secure my environment?

First, locate all ClearPass Policy Manager deployments in your environment and identify who manages them. Once located, verify their network accessibility and determine if they are exposed to untrusted networks. After confirming these details, prioritize planning a remediation path and contact HPE support for the appropriate updates or configuration guidance.

References

support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=hpesbnw05158en_us&docLo…

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.