CVE-2026-49435 in Hawkeye
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
Keysight IxChariot Endpoint and associated products contain a stack-based buffer overflow. An unauthenticated remote attacker can send a specially crafted packet and execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
The Keysight IxChariot Endpoint vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow that exists within the network performance testing software suite. This flaw affects the endpoint components of IxChariot and related products, creating a pathway for remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the packet processing routines, where attacker-controlled data is copied directly onto the stack without proper bounds checking. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this corresponds to CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program writes beyond the bounds of a fixed-length buffer allocated on the stack. The attack vector operates through network communication channels where specially crafted packets can be transmitted to the vulnerable system, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the target network.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges on the affected system. This privilege escalation occurs because the buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite critical stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, effectively redirecting program execution flow. The compromised system typically operates with elevated privileges due to the nature of network performance testing tools which often require administrative access for proper operation. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the attack tree framework where adversaries can leverage remote code execution capabilities to establish persistent access within target environments. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the attacker gains full control over the system, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, and further compromise of network infrastructure.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing Keysight IxChariot products in their network testing and performance evaluation workflows. Any system running vulnerable endpoint software becomes a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to infiltrate network environments, particularly in scenarios where these tools are deployed across multiple locations or integrated into continuous monitoring systems. Organizations that rely on IxChariot for production network analysis may face significant operational disruption if attackers exploit this vulnerability to compromise their testing infrastructure. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no prior access credentials, allowing attackers to exploit the flaw from any location with network connectivity to the target system. Network segmentation and firewall rules that might normally protect against such attacks become ineffective since the vulnerability operates at the application layer where legitimate traffic flows are expected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from Keysight, as the vendor would have released security updates addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations must prioritize updating all affected IxChariot endpoint installations across their network infrastructure, particularly those exposed to external networks or accessible from untrusted environments. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including signature-based detection rules for the specific malformed packets that trigger this vulnerability. The principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting access to IxChariot endpoints through network access control lists and firewall rules, limiting exposure to only necessary internal systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include verification of patched systems to ensure complete remediation, as well as continuous monitoring for signs of compromise that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies that isolate network performance testing tools from critical business systems, reducing the potential impact of any successful compromise.