Malcolm: Use of Default Credentials
CVE-2026-90456 is a high-severity use of default credentials vulnerability in Malcolm from CISA, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version v26.06.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating Malcolm to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.27% 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 Malcolm to v26.06.0 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- 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
- 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:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hq.dhs.gov).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.2 | Critical | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
Official description
An example environment-configuration file for a bundled inventory-management component ships with a fixed, publicly-known administrative password. A deployment that copies this example file into active configuration without running the setup routine that regenerates credentials will expose that component's administrative interface to anyone aware of the default value.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Default Credentials
The product uses default credentials (such as passwords or cryptographic keys) for potentially critical functionality.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
- Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
- The product administrator could change the defaults upon installation or during operation.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Malcolm
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Use of Default Credentials vulnerabilities
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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