CVE-2026-18129 in Endpoint Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Cleartext transmission of sensitive information in the Core of Ivanti Endpoint Manager before version 2024 SU7 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker in a MITM position to leak credentials for external SQL connections.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Ivanti Endpoint Manager's core architecture that exposes sensitive authentication credentials during network transmission. The issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper encryption mechanisms when communicating with external database systems, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2024 SU7, indicating that Ivanti has acknowledged and addressed this weakness in their subsequent releases.
The technical implementation flaw involves the transmission of database connection credentials in plaintext format over network channels, which violates fundamental security principles for protecting sensitive information. When external SQL connections are established, authentication details including usernames and passwords are sent without encryption, making them immediately accessible to any attacker who can intercept network traffic. This type of vulnerability is classified as a weakness in cryptographic systems and falls under the broader category of insecure communication protocols that can be exploited through man-in-the-middle attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Ivanti Endpoint Manager for device management and security operations. Remote unauthenticated attackers who can position themselves within the network traffic flow gain immediate access to database credentials that may grant them elevated privileges to external systems. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these credentials could potentially provide access to critical corporate databases, user information repositories, or other sensitive systems that rely on the established connections. This vulnerability directly violates security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and can be categorized under CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information).
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as attackers only need to establish a man-in-the-middle position rather than authenticate to the system itself. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in environments where network traffic interception is possible through compromised devices, public wireless networks, or network infrastructure vulnerabilities. The credential leakage can result in unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, system compromise, and potentially lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to Ivanti Endpoint Manager version 2024 SU7 or later, which includes proper encryption for external connection credentials. Network segmentation and traffic monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential interception attempts, while organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as database firewalls and network access controls. The remediation approach should align with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and defense evasion, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and potential future exploitation attempts.