CVE-2026-86060
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitRouterOS 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.
Published Sep 5, 2026 · Updated Sep 11, 2026 · Also known as EUVD-2026-72029, GHSA-6425-cjxv-52gp
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-86060 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.2 v4) affecting RouterOS (Mikrotik).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 5, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 6.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including RouterOS 6.49.21, RouterOS 7.23.4, RouterOS 7.24.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v4
9.2
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
6.4%
Higher than 93.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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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)
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 5, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: 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.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| RouterOSMikrotik | >= 6.0.0, >= 7.24 | 7.24.2 |
Patched Releases
RouterOS
6.49.21, 7.23.4, 7.24.2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 5, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 5, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 5, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 5, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 10, 2026
Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-88 Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/mikrotik-routeros-cve/
- advisoryhttps://forum.mikrotik.com/t/important-security-update/272851
- advisoryhttps://github.com/advisories/GHSA-6425-cjxv-52gp
- advisoryhttps://github.com/advisories/GHSA-j9wg-77fw-f22f
- advisoryhttps://github.com/dinosn/mikrotrick-poc
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: RouterOS (Mikrotik) versions >= 6.0.0, >= 7.24. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 5, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Sep 10, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Sep 13, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including RouterOS 6.49.21, RouterOS 7.23.4, RouterOS 7.24.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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