CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-6043NVD status: Awaiting Analysis

Helix Core Server (P4D): Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default

CVE-2026-6043 is a high-severity initialization of a resource with an insecure default vulnerability in Helix Core Server (P4D) from Perforce, with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Helix Core Server (P4D) versions: 2025.2 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.26% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 70% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Helix Core Server (P4D) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
PerforceHelix Core Server (P4D)2025.2 and earlierNot stated

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.
Attack requirements
NoneThe attack does not depend on a particular deployment or configuration.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Confidentiality (vulnerable system)
HighSerious loss of confidentiality on the vulnerable system.
Integrity (vulnerable system)
LowLimited loss of integrity on the vulnerable system.
Availability (vulnerable system)
NoneNo loss of availability on the vulnerable system.
Confidentiality (other systems)
NoneNo loss of confidentiality on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
Integrity (other systems)
NoneNo loss of integrity on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
Availability (other systems)
NoneNo loss of availability on systems beyond the vulnerable one.

Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X. Scored by CNA (puppet.com).

Official description

P4 Server versions prior to 2026.1 are configured with insecure default settings that, when exposed to untrusted networks, allow unauthenticated attackers to create arbitrary user accounts, enumerate existing users, authenticate to accounts with no password set, and access depot contents via the built-in 'remote' user. These default settings, taken together, can lead to unauthorized access to source code repositories and other managed assets. The 2026.1 release, expected in May 2026, enforces secure-by-default configurations on upgrade and new installations

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default

The product initializes or sets a resource with a default that is intended to be changed by the product's installer, administrator, or maintainer, but the default is not secure.

More Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities (CWE-1188)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.