CVE-2026-86377 in PowerProtect Data Domain
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Dell PowerProtect Data Domain, Feature Release versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.8, LTS2024 release versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.80, LTS2025 release versions 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.40, LTS2026 release versions 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.20, contain an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2026
The identified security flaw resides within the Dell PowerProtect Data Domain software ecosystem, specifically affecting a broad range of releases including Feature Release versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.8, LTS2024 release versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.80, LTS2025 release versions 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.40, and LTS2026 release versions 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.20. This vulnerability is classified as an Out-of-bounds Write error, a critical memory safety issue where the software writes data to a memory location outside the boundaries of the intended buffer or array. In enterprise storage environments like PowerProtect Data Domain, which handle vast amounts of sensitive organizational data, such low-level memory corruption errors are particularly dangerous because they can destabilize core system processes that manage disk operations, replication streams, and authentication services.
From a technical perspective, an Out-of-bounds Write occurs when the application fails to properly validate input parameters or array indices before performing write operations in memory. This lack of boundary checking allows data intended for one part of the program's memory space to overwrite adjacent memory locations that may contain other variables, control structures, or even executable code. While modern compilers and operating systems employ various mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), these protections do not entirely eliminate the risk of exploitation. In this specific instance, the vulnerability is triggered by a low-privileged attacker who already possesses remote access to the system. This implies that the attack vector does not require initial authentication bypass or privilege escalation at the network level but rather exploits logic flaws within the application layer after an authenticated session has been established with limited user rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is primarily characterized by a Denial of Service condition. When the out-of-bounds write corrupts critical memory structures, it can cause the affected process or the entire operating system to crash unexpectedly. For a storage appliance that serves as a central repository for backup data and disaster recovery solutions, an unexpected reboot or service halt results in significant downtime. During this period, organizations are unable to perform new backups, restore data from previous snapshots, or replicate data to secondary sites. This disruption can severely impact business continuity plans and violate Service Level Agreements related to availability and recoverability. Although the primary reported outcome is denial of service, memory corruption vulnerabilities inherently carry a risk of arbitrary code execution if an attacker can precisely control the overwritten memory contents, potentially leading to full system compromise despite the current threat model focusing on availability disruption.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write as accessing a memory location beyond the allocated buffer boundary. It also relates to CWE-120, Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input, depending on whether the flaw stems from unchecked input size or improper index calculation. In terms of adversary tactics and techniques, this scenario maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1498, Network Denial of Service, as the exploitation results in service unavailability rather than data exfiltration or system control at this stage. The requirement for remote access with low privileges places it within the context of lateral movement or internal threat scenarios where an attacker has already breached perimeter defenses and is operating from a compromised host or account with limited scope.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action should be taken to apply the vendor-provided software patches that address the memory management logic flaws in the affected versions. Administrators must verify their current PowerProtect Data Domain version against the specified ranges and prioritize updates for systems exposed to internal networks where low-privileged accounts might exist. In addition to patching, organizations should review access control policies to ensure that remote administrative interfaces are not accessible from untrusted network segments and that user privileges adhere strictly to the principle of least privilege. Implementing strict input validation at the application layer during development phases is essential for preventing similar issues in future releases. Furthermore, deploying intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns or unusual process termination events can provide early warning indicators if exploitation attempts occur before patches are fully deployed across all nodes in the storage cluster.