Remote Authentication Bypass in GNU Inetutils Telnetd

CVE-2026-24061

What is CVE-2026-24061?

CVE-2026-24061 is a vulnerability found in the GNU Inetutils package, specifically in the telnet daemon (telnetd). GNU Inetutils is a collection of common networking utilities, and telnetd is used to enable remote command-line access to a server. This particular vulnerability arises from a flaw in the handling of the USER environment variable; specifically, an attacker can bypass authentication procedures by setting the USER variable to “-f root.”

The exploitation of this vulnerability can allow unauthorized users to gain access to systems with elevated privileges, posing a significant security risk. If an organization relies on GNU Inetutils for managing remote access, a successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, control over critical systems, and the potential for further attacks within the network.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-24061

1. Unauthorized System Access: Attackers can gain remote access to systems without proper authentication, allowing them control over crucial system functions and data.

2. Privilege Escalation: By manipulating the USER environment variable, unauthorized users can operate with root-level privileges, significantly increasing the risks of malicious activities.

3. Data Breach Risk: The ability to bypass authentication may facilitate data exfiltration or compromise of sensitive information, potentially leading to regulatory penalties and loss of customer trust.

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