PowerProtect Data Domain: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2026-23778 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in PowerProtect Data Domain from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 8.6.0.0 or later, 8.3.1.20 or later, 7.13.1.50 or later as the first without the flaw, so updating PowerProtect Data Domain to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PowerProtect Data Domain to 8.6.0.0 or later or 8.3.1.20 or later or 7.13.1.50 or later or 2.7.9 with DD OS 8.3.1.30, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Powerprotect Dp Series Appliance to 2.7.9 or a later version.
- Update Data Domain Operating System to 7.13.1.50 or 8.3.1.20 or 8.6.0.0, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | PowerProtect Data Domain | before 8.6.0.0 or later; before 8.3.1.20 or later; before 7.13.1.50 or later; before 2.7.9 with DD OS 8.3.1.30 | 8.6.0.0 or later, 8.3.1.20 or later, 7.13.1.50 or later, 2.7.9 with DD OS 8.3.1.30 |
| Dell | Powerprotect Dp Series Appliance | before 2.7.9 | 2.7.9 |
| Dell | Data Domain Operating System | 7.7.1.0 up to, but not including, 7.13.1.50; 7.14.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.3.1.20; 8.4.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.6.0.0 | 7.13.1.50, 8.3.1.20, 8.6.0.0 |
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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- 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:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell PowerProtect Data Domain with Data Domain Operating System (DD OS) of Feature Release versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.5, LTS2025 release version 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.20, LTS2024 release versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.50, contain a command injection vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain root-level access.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in PowerProtect Data Domain
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
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