CVE-2026-18577

Published Aug 2, 2026

Last updated 14 days ago

N-central

Overview

AI description

Automated description summarized from trusted sources.

CVE-2026-18577 is an authentication bypass and account takeover vulnerability affecting N-able N-central versions through 2026.3.1. This flaw is a result of an incomplete patch for a previously identified vulnerability, CVE-2026-18556. Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-18577 allows remote attackers to gain administrative access to vulnerable N-central servers. Once administrative control is established, attackers can abuse the built-in "Take Control" feature to pivot into managed endpoints, deploy scripts, run tools, initiate remote-control sessions, and establish persistence within the compromised environment. The vulnerability impacts both hosted and on-premises deployments of N-able N-central.

Description: An incomplete patch for CVE-2026-18556 allows for authentication bypass and account takeover in N-central Versions through 2026.3.1
Source: a5532a13-c4dd-4202-bef1-e0b8f2f8d12b
NVD status: Analyzed
Products: n-central

Risk scores

CVSS 4.0

Type: Secondary
Base score: 8.2
Impact score: -
Exploitability score: -
Vector string: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:L/SI:L/SA:L/E:A/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Severity: HIGH

CVSS 3.1

Type: Primary
Base score: 8.1
Impact score: 5.9
Exploitability score: 2.2
Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity: HIGH

Known exploits

Data from CISA

Vulnerability name: N-able N-central Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel Vulnerability
Exploit added on: Aug 3, 2026
Exploit action due: Aug 6, 2026
Required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Weaknesses

a5532a13-c4dd-4202-bef1-e0b8f2f8d12b: CWE-288

Hype score: Not currently trending

Configurations

[
  {
    "nodes": [
      {
        "cpeMatch": [
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:a:n-able:n-central:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "6CEC2750-AFFB-40A4-97E0-88BDAC106F5E",
            "versionEndExcluding": "2026.3",
            "vulnerable": true
          },
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:a:n-able:n-central:2026.3:-:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "EB21160B-DDC4-4F70-A703-E313DED8CAF2",
            "vulnerable": true
          }
        ],
        "negate": false,
        "operator": "OR"
      }
    ]
  }
]

References

Sources include official advisories and independent security research.