CVE-2026-18452 in DMS+
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2026
DMS+ (Non-Mobile) developed by Rich Source has a Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerability. Unauthenticated remote attackers can exploit a fixed API key to gain control over all installed DMS+ devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2026
The DMS+ system developed by Rich Source presents a critical security flaw through its implementation of hard-coded credentials within the non-mobile version of the software. This vulnerability stems from the inclusion of a fixed API key directly embedded within the application code, creating a persistent security risk that affects all deployed instances. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices and demonstrates poor adherence to cryptographic best practices as outlined in industry standards such as owasp top ten and the cwe dictionary under cwe-798. The hard-coded credentials allow any unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit this weakness and gain complete administrative control over all installed DMS+ devices within the network.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can leverage the fixed API key to perform unauthorized operations across the entire DMS+ ecosystem. This type of flaw falls under the broader category of credential management failures and specifically aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under credential access and privilege escalation tactics. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the API key is statically embedded rather than dynamically generated or securely retrieved from a trusted source. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to encompass complete system control, allowing attackers to manipulate configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistence within the target environment.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing DMS+ systems, as it eliminates any meaningful authentication barrier between legitimate users and unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring valid user credentials or network reconnaissance to identify specific system components. The remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for distributed deployments. Organizations may experience complete loss of device control, data integrity compromise, and potential cascading effects throughout their digital infrastructure where DMS+ systems are integrated. The lack of authentication requirements removes any defensive layers that might otherwise protect against unauthorized access attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through code reengineering to eliminate the hard-coded credentials and implement proper secure credential management practices. Organizations must conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all instances where similar patterns exist within their software ecosystem. The recommended approach involves implementing dynamic credential retrieval mechanisms, establishing secure key management systems, and ensuring that API keys are not embedded within source code or configuration files accessible to unauthorized parties. Security controls should include network segmentation to limit access to DMS+ systems, implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts, and regular security assessments to identify potential similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing zero trust principles where all access requests are verified regardless of their origin or previous authentication status. The remediation process must address both the immediate exposure through the hard-coded API key and establish long-term secure development practices that prevent recurrence of such vulnerabilities in future releases, aligning with security standards including iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework requirements for secure software development lifecycle implementation.