CVE-2026-86060
RouterOS contains an argument-handling flaw in the SSH login path involving usernames that begin with a prohibited character, allowing for the…
Browse: All 2026 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 9.8 Critical
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2026-09-10, remediation due 2026-09-13)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-88
- Published
- 2026-09-05
- Last modified
- 2026-09-11
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
RouterOS contains an argument-handling flaw in the SSH login path involving usernames that begin with a prohibited character, allowing for the trusted RouterOS policy mask to be changed, leading to privilege escalation. Exploitation requires an unauthenticated SSH session to reach the RouterOS login helper.This issue was fixed in versions: 6.49.21 (Long-term), 7.23.4 (Long-term) and 7.24.2 (Stable)
Affected products
- mikrotik routeros
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines. Federal remediation deadline: 2026-09-13.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.
References
- https://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/mikrotik-routeros-cve
- https://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/vulnerabilities-in-mikrotik-routeros-actively-exploited/
- https://forum.mikrotik.com/t/6-49-21-long-term-is-released/272802
- https://forum.mikrotik.com/t/7-23-4-long-term-is-released/272801
- https://forum.mikrotik.com/t/7-24-2-stable-is-released/272800
- https://mikrotik.com/supportsec/september-2026-vulnerability/
- https://npratley.net/reversing-mikrotiks-silent-patch-the-routeros-7-23-4-fix-they-wouldnt-explain/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-86060
FAQ
Is CVE-2026-86060 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-86060 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2026-09-10, with a federal remediation deadline of 2026-09-13. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-86060?
CVE-2026-86060 has a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2026-67277 — MikroTik RouterOS
- CVE-2018-7445 — MikroTik RouterOS
- CVE-2018-14847 — MikroTik RouterOS
- CVE-2026-24061 — GNU InetUtils
- CVE-2016-10033 — PHP PHPMailer
- CVE-2024-41710 — Mitel SIP Phones
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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