CVE-2026-12502 in LIP-ME20xC L-INX L-GATE L-ROC L-IOB L-DALI L-VIS L-PAD
Summary
by MITRE • 07/24/2026
Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269) in `/usr/bin/ltsudo` in Loytec LIP-ME201C, L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L-IOB, L-DALI, L-VIS and L-PAD through 8.4.16 on LINX-A64 allows a `superadmin`-group attacker to reset the password of any LARM user (including the `larmapp` service account) via the `set-passwd` subcommand.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical improper privilege management flaw classified as CWE-269 within the ltsudo utility on several Loytec industrial networking devices including the LIP-ME201C, L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L-IOB, L-DALI, L-VIS and L-PAD platforms. This weakness exists in firmware versions through 8.4.16 running on LINX-A64 architecture systems. The flaw allows attackers who have gained membership in the superadmin group to execute unauthorized password resets against any user account within the LARM system including critical service accounts such as larmapp. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the set-passwd subcommand of the ltsudo utility which lacks proper access control validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege verification within the ltsudo binary where the set-passwd functionality does not properly authenticate or authorize the requesting user's privileges before executing password modification operations. This creates a scenario where any member of the superadmin group can manipulate user accounts without appropriate authorization boundaries, effectively bypassing the intended security model that should restrict administrative actions to authorized personnel only. The flaw operates at the command-line interface level where the utility accepts user input and processes password reset requests without validating whether the requesting superadmin has legitimate authority over the target account.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial control system security as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to critical service accounts that may have elevated privileges within the LARM environment. The ability to reset passwords for the larmapp service account particularly concerning since this account often operates with high-privilege permissions necessary for system management and configuration changes. An attacker could potentially escalate their access level, modify system configurations, or establish backdoor access points by leveraging this privilege escalation capability. The vulnerability essentially undermines the authentication and authorization controls that are fundamental to protecting industrial control systems from unauthorized access.
The security implications extend beyond simple password reset capabilities as this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and credential access. Specifically it maps to T1078 Valid Accounts, T1548.001 Abuse Elevation Control Mechanisms, and T1562.001 Impair Defenses. Organizations using these Loytec devices should immediately implement mitigations including restricting superadmin group membership to only essential personnel, implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and monitoring for unauthorized password reset activities. Additionally, the affected firmware versions should be updated to patched releases where appropriate, though this may require specialized support channels due to the industrial nature of these devices. System administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication and regular privilege reviews to minimize the risk exposure from this class of vulnerability.