CVE-2026-50227 in NitroSense
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2026
An unauthenticated local attacker can connect to the MQTT broker over its localhost WebSocket endpoint in Acer NitroSense software (versions up to and including 5.2.62). This allows the attacker to invoke exposed ddsc RPC functions, including child_process.execSync(), resulting in arbitrary command execution in the application context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2026
The vulnerability identified in Acer NitroSense software, specifically affecting versions up to and including 5.2.62, represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper access control mechanisms within its local communication architecture. The core issue lies in the configuration of the MQTT broker embedded within the application, which exposes a WebSocket endpoint on localhost without implementing any form of authentication or authorization checks for incoming connections. This design oversight allows any process running with the same user privileges as the NitroSense service to establish an unauthenticated connection to this local interface. In typical desktop operating system environments, such as Windows where NitroSense operates, many applications and background services run under standard user accounts rather than elevated administrative privileges. Consequently, a malicious actor who has achieved any level of code execution on the victim's machine can exploit this open channel to interact directly with the application's internal logic without needing to bypass firewalls or network security controls that might otherwise restrict external access.
The technical severity of this vulnerability is amplified by the specific functions exposed through the ddsc RPC interface accessible via the MQTT broker. Among these exposed methods is child_process.execSync(), a function commonly used in Node.js-based applications to execute system commands synchronously. By invoking this method, an attacker can supply arbitrary command strings that are executed directly within the context of the NitroSense application process. This constitutes a classic Remote Code Execution vulnerability when viewed through the lens of local privilege escalation or lateral movement scenarios. The ability to run arbitrary commands means the attacker is not limited to simple information disclosure; they can manipulate system files, install malware, modify registry keys, or pivot further into the network depending on the privileges held by the NitroSense service at runtime. This transforms a seemingly benign utility application into a potent vector for full system compromise if it runs with elevated permissions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly lowers the barrier to entry for attackers targeting Acer devices running NitroSense. Since no authentication is required, even low-privilege malware or scripts can exploit this flaw immediately upon execution. The attacker does not need complex exploitation techniques or zero-day payloads; they simply need to send a properly formatted MQTT message containing the desired command payload through the local WebSocket endpoint. This simplicity makes automated attacks highly feasible and increases the likelihood of successful compromise in environments where users may have inadvertently installed malicious software or visited compromised websites that trigger script execution. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution, as NitroSense often manages hardware settings such as fan speeds, CPU performance modes, and RGB lighting controls. An attacker could potentially destabilize system stability by manipulating these hardware parameters while simultaneously executing persistent backdoors, thereby creating a multi-vector attack scenario that is difficult to detect using standard endpoint protection tools focused on external network traffic.
This vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-284 Improper Access Control, as the application fails to restrict access to critical functionality based on user identity or privilege level. Furthermore, it maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through local execution of system commands via a non-standard interface like MQTT over WebSocket. The use of child_process.execSync also highlights risks associated with CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, although the primary failure here is the lack of access control rather than input validation per se, as any command sent through this channel will be executed regardless of its content or origin within the local context.
To mitigate this risk, Acer should immediately release a patch that enforces strict authentication mechanisms on all RPC endpoints exposed by the MQTT broker, ensuring that only trusted and verified processes can invoke sensitive functions like child_process.execSync(). Alternatively, removing unnecessary exposure of these internal APIs to external connections via WebSocket is advisable if local IPC (Inter-Process Communication) methods such as named pipes or shared memory are sufficient for legitimate application functionality. For users unable to update immediately, isolating the NitroSense service in a restricted environment with minimal privileges can reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual outbound MQTT traffic from localhost on non-standard ports may help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability before significant damage occurs. Security researchers and administrators should treat local WebSocket endpoints as high-risk attack surfaces requiring rigorous authentication and authorization policies similar to those applied to network-facing services.