CVE-2026-21079 in Smart Switch
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
Missing encryption of sensitive data in Smart Switch prior to version 3.7.72.6 allows adjacent attackers to intercept transmitted data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the network security posture of Smart Switch devices, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.7.72.6 where sensitive data transmission lacks proper encryption mechanisms. The flaw creates an insecure communication channel that exposes devices to man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping activities conducted by adjacent network adversaries who can intercept and potentially manipulate transmitted data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient cryptographic protection during data transmission processes, allowing attackers within the same network segment to capture unencrypted packets containing sensitive information. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in cisecurity standards and aligns with common weakness enumeration cwes 312 and 311, which address inadequate data encryption and improper data protection during transmission. The vulnerability exists at the network layer where device communications should be secured through established protocols such as tls or ssl encryption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security of connected smart devices and their associated networks, potentially exposing user credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive operational information. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network resources, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the compromised network environment. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to affect overall network security posture and organizational data integrity.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack technique framework under mitre att&ck technique t1046 network service scanning and t1566 credential harvesting through network reconnaissance activities. Adjacent attackers can exploit this weakness to perform passive network monitoring and data interception without requiring sophisticated tools or extensive privileges, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in shared network environments.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 3.7.72.6 or later, which implement proper encryption mechanisms for all transmitted data. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network segmentation measures, deploying intrusion detection systems, and establishing network monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security policies must be updated to enforce mandatory encryption requirements for all device communications and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network components.