Rugged Control Center (RCC): Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-81473 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Rugged Control Center (RCC) from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 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 5.2.206 as the first without the flaw, so updating Rugged Control Center (RCC) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.09% 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 Rugged Control Center (RCC) to 5.2.206 or a later version.
- 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 | Rugged Control Center (RCC) | before 5.2.206 | 5.2.206 |
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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data 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:C/C:L/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell Rugged Control Center (RCC), versions prior to 5.2.206, contain an Improper Authorization 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: 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: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Rugged Control Center (RCC)
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.9 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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