CVE-2026-22769 in RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2026
Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines, versions prior to 6.0.3.1 HF1, contain a hardcoded credential vulnerability. This is considered critical as an unauthenticated remote attacker with knowledge of the hardcoded credential could potentially exploit this vulnerability leading to unauthorized access to the underlying operating system and root-level persistence. Dell recommends that customers upgrade or apply one of the remediations as soon as possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22769 affects Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines software versions prior to 6.0.3.1 HF1, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the affected system. This issue stems from the inclusion of hardcoded credentials within the software components, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent attack vectors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations, making it a well-documented and highly dangerous flaw in cybersecurity practices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit the system by leveraging knowledge of the hardcoded credential, which essentially provides a backdoor access mechanism to the underlying operating system. This flaw enables attackers to achieve unauthorized access and establish root-level persistence within the affected environment, significantly expanding their operational capabilities. The hardcoded credential serves as a persistent access point that remains functional regardless of standard authentication mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for long-term system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations utilizing Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines, as it allows attackers to gain complete administrative control over the system without requiring valid user credentials or authentication. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, leading to data breaches, system corruption, and unauthorized access to virtual machine environments. The root-level persistence aspect of this vulnerability enables attackers to maintain access even after system restarts or routine security updates, creating a persistent threat that can evade traditional detection mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement the remediation measures recommended by Dell, including upgrading to version 6.0.3.1 HF1 or applying the specific patch provided by the vendor. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and persistence tactics, where the hardcoded credential represents a form of credential access that allows attackers to establish a foothold within the system. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider conducting comprehensive security assessments of their virtual environments to identify any potential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper credential management and the dangers of including hardcoded authentication information in production software, emphasizing the need for regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.