Vagus Nerve Stimulator: Hidden Functionality
CVE-2026-18844 is a high-severity hidden functionality vulnerability in Vagus Nerve Stimulator from Pulsetto, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited from the same local network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Vagus Nerve Stimulator versions: All. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% 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
- Check which version of Vagus Nerve Stimulator you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsetto | Vagus Nerve Stimulator | All | Not stated |
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
- AdjacentThe attacker must be on the same local network segment.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hq.dhs.gov).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.2 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
Official description
The firmware of the Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulator accepts several undisclosed commands over its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. These commands are sent without authentication or encryption, and are never issued by the companion mobile application, yet are fully processed by the device when it is powered on.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Hidden Functionality
The product contains functionality that is not documented, not part of the specification, and not accessible through an interface or command sequence that is obvious to the product's users or administrators.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Always verify the integrity of the product that is being installed.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Hidden Functionality vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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