CVE-2026-81476 in OpenManage Server Administrator
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2026
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator, versions prior to 11.1.0.3, contains an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Remote execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2026
The identified security flaw resides within Dell OpenManage Server Administrator software versions preceding 11.1.0.3 and is classified as a critical OS command injection vulnerability. This specific weakness stems from an improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, allowing malicious input to be interpreted directly by the underlying shell or interpreter rather than being treated strictly as data. The core technical failure involves insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters before they are concatenated into dynamic system calls. When the application processes these inputs without adequate escaping mechanisms for characters such as semicolons, pipes, ampersands, or backticks, it inadvertently permits an attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands that execute with the privileges of the running service process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution by unauthenticated actors. Because Dell OpenManage Server Administrator typically runs with elevated administrative privileges on managed servers to perform hardware monitoring and configuration tasks, successful exploitation grants an attacker full control over the affected system. An adversary can leverage this access to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, pivot to other systems within the network, or establish persistent backdoors for long-term unauthorized access. The lack of required authentication significantly lowers the barrier to entry for attackers, enabling automated scanning tools and opportunistic exploits across internet-facing deployments without any prior credentials.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-78, which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. In terms of tactical mapping within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw facilitates initial access and execution techniques commonly associated with remote code exploitation vectors. Attackers would likely utilize input fields or API endpoints exposed by the OpenManage service to deliver payload strings that bypass existing filters, effectively turning legitimate administrative functions into vehicles for command injection. The severity is compounded by the widespread deployment of Dell management infrastructure in enterprise environments where these services are often left running on default configurations with minimal hardening.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate software remediation and network-level controls. Organizations should upgrade to Dell OpenManage Server Administrator version 11.1.0.3 or later, as this release contains the necessary code patches that enforce strict input validation and parameterization of system calls. In scenarios where an immediate patch is not feasible due to compatibility constraints, administrators must restrict access to the management interface by placing it behind a firewall rule set that limits connectivity exclusively to trusted IP addresses or dedicated administrative networks. Additionally, deploying Web Application Firewalls with specific rulesets capable of detecting OS command injection patterns can provide a layer of defense in depth. Regular vulnerability scanning and continuous monitoring for anomalous process executions originating from the OpenManage service account are also recommended to detect potential exploitation attempts early.