CVE-2026-8169

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2026-07-20 18:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-24 20:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-07-20 18:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-24 20:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-338

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.7

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High