PowerFlex: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-32804 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in PowerFlex from Dell, 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. The record lists versions 5.1.0.1 or later, 4.5.5.2 or later as the first without the flaw, so updating PowerFlex to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.23% 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 PowerFlex to 5.1.0.1 or later or 4.5.5.2 or later, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Powerflex Manager to 4.5.5.2 or 5.1.0.1, 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 | PowerFlex | before 5.1.0.1 or later; before 4.5.5.2 or later | 5.1.0.1 or later, 4.5.5.2 or later |
| Dell | Powerflex Manager | before 4.5.5.2; 4.6.0 up to, but not including, 5.1.0.1 | 4.5.5.2, 5.1.0.1 |
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 (emc.com).
Official description
Dell PowerFlex Manager, version(s) prior to 5.1.0.1, contain(s) an Improper Authentication vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with adjacent network access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Unauthorized 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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in PowerFlex
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
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