Vulnerability Description
ExtremeXOS (EXOS) uses a challenge-response mechanism to authorize access to the privileged debug-mode function. The challenge value is generated using an insufficiently random source, which under certain conditions may allow an attacker to predict the expected response and activate debug-mode without authorization. Depending on device configuration and version, this may enable escalation to root-level access and persistent modification of the device software stack. Exploitation requires either a valid low-privilege account on the device (remote scenario) or physical serial console access (local scenario). This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2017-14329, which addressed a different issue involving Python script privileges. Extreme would like to thank Hadrien Barral (Université Gustave Eiffel) and Georges-Axel Jaloyan (French Ministry of the Interior) for responsible disclosure of their findings.
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-8169?
CVE-2026-8169 is a documented vulnerability. ExtremeXOS (EXOS) uses a challenge-response mechanism to authorize access to the privileged debug-mode function. The challenge value is generated using an insufficiently random source, which under cer...
How severe is CVE-2026-8169?
CVSS scoring is not yet available for CVE-2026-8169. Check NVD for updates.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-8169?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.