PowerProtect Data Domain: Missing Authentication for Critical Functionality
CVE-2026-26944 is a high-severity missing authentication for critical functionality vulnerability in PowerProtect Data Domain from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 8.6.1.10, 8.7.0.0 or later, 8.3.1.30 or later, 7.13.1.70 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 0.54% 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 8.6.1.10, 8.7.0.0 or later or 8.3.1.30 or later or 7.13.1.70 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 7.13.1.70 or 8.3.1.30 or 8.6.1.0, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | PowerProtect Data Domain | before 8.6.1.10, 8.7.0.0 or later; before 8.3.1.30 or later; before 7.13.1.70 or later; before 2.7.9 with DD OS 8.3.1.30 | 8.6.1.10, 8.7.0.0 or later, 8.3.1.30 or later, 7.13.1.70 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, 7.13.1.70; 7.14.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.3.1.30; 8.4.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.6.1.0 | 7.13.1.70, 8.3.1.30, 8.6.1.0 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell PowerProtect Data Domain, versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.6, LTS2025 release version 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.20, LTS2024 release versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.60 contain a missing authentication for critical function vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to arbitrary command execution with root privileges. Exploitation requires an authenticated user to perform a specific action.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Authentication for Critical Functionality
The product does not perform any authentication for functionality that requires a provable user identity or consumes a significant amount of resources.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using libraries with authentication capabilities such as OpenSSL or the ESAPI Authenticator.
- When storing data in the cloud (e.g., S3 buckets, Azure blobs, Google Cloud Storage, etc.), use the provider's controls to require strong authentication for users who should be allowed to access the data.
More Missing Authentication for Critical Functionality vulnerabilities (CWE-306)
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 Missing Authentication for Critical Functionality vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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