Dell Command Update (DCU): Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition
CVE-2026-56797 is a high-severity time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability in Dell Command Update (DCU) from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 5.7.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Dell Command Update (DCU) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.12% 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 Dell Command Update (DCU) to 5.7.1 or a later version.
- Update Command Update to 5.7.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 | Dell Command Update (DCU) | before 5.7.1 | 5.7.1 |
| Dell | Command Update | before 5.7.1 | 5.7.1 |
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
- 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell Command Update (DCU), versions prior to 5.7.1, a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition
The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- The most basic advice for TOCTOU vulnerabilities is to not perform a check before the use. This does not resolve the underlying issue of the execution of a function on a resource whose state and identity cannot be assured, but it does help to limit the false sense of security given by the check.
- When the file being altered is owned by the current user and group, set the effective gid and uid to that of the current user and group when executing this statement.
- Limit the interleaving of operations on files from multiple processes.
More Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition vulnerabilities (CWE-367)
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 Dell Command Update (DCU)
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition vulnerabilities
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.9 High severity
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