C-Kermit: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-129116 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in C-Kermit from OpenKermit, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 11.1.515 as the first without the flaw, so updating C-Kermit to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update C-Kermit to 11.1.515 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenKermit | C-Kermit | 7.0.197 up to, but not including, 11.1.515 | 11.1.515 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
C-Kermit from 7.0.197 before 11.1.515 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the IKSD SSL build that leaves Telnet authentication state at AUTH_VALID after a refused certificate login. Attackers holding a trusted certificate mapped to a refused account can log in as any other account with any password, gaining that account's shell access.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in C-Kermit
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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