PowerProtect Data Domain: Use of Weak Credentials
CVE-2026-23853 is a high-severity use of weak credentials vulnerability in PowerProtect Data Domain from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, 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 0.16% 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 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 7.13.1.60 or 8.3.1.30, 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, 7.13.1.60; 7.14.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.3.1.30; 8.4.0.0 through 8.6.0.0 | 7.13.1.60, 8.3.1.30 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/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 use of weak credentials vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to unauthorized access to the system.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Weak Credentials
The product uses weak credentials (such as a default key or hard-coded password) that can be calculated, derived, reused, or guessed by an attacker.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When the user changes or sets a password, check the password against a database of already compromised or breached passwords. These passwords are likely to be used in password guessing attacks.
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 Use of Weak Credentials vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
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