CVE-2026-8169
Received Received - Intake

Insufficient Randomness in ExtremeXOS Debug-Mode Challenge

Publication date: 2026-07-20

Last updated on: 2026-07-20

Assigner: ExtremeNetworks

Description
ExtremeXOS (EXOS) uses a challenge-response mechanism to authorize access to the privileged debug-mode function. The challenge value is generated using an insufficiently random source, which under certain conditions may allow an attacker to predict the expected response and activate debug-mode without authorization. Depending on device configuration and version, this may enable escalation to root-level access and persistent modification of the device software stack. Exploitation requires either a valid low-privilege account on the device (remote scenario) or physical serial console access (local scenario). This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2017-14329, which addressed a different issue involving Python script privileges. Extreme would like to thank Hadrien Barral (Université Gustave Eiffel) and Georges-Axel Jaloyan (French Ministry of the Interior) for responsible disclosure of their findings.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-20
Last Modified
2026-07-20
Generated
2026-07-21
AI Q&A
2026-07-20
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-8169
EUVD
EUVD-2026-46047

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
extremenetworks extremexos *
extreme exos *
extreme_networks extremexos *

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-338 The product uses a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in a security context, but the PRNG's algorithm is not cryptographically strong.

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Executive Summary

ExtremeXOS (EXOS) has a debug-mode authorization system that uses a challenge-response mechanism. The challenge value is generated using a weak random source, allowing attackers to predict responses and gain unauthorized debug-mode access. This can lead to root-level access and persistent changes to the device software, depending on configuration and version.

Detection Guidance

Detection requires checking for unauthorized activation of debug-mode on ExtremeXOS devices. Monitor logs for unexpected privilege escalation attempts or debug-mode activations. Inspect device configurations for unauthorized changes. Physical serial console access should be audited for suspicious activity.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with a low-privilege account or physical serial console access could exploit this to escalate privileges to root, modify device software, and gain persistent control. This may result in unauthorized access, data breaches, or complete system compromise.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially violate compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA by enabling unauthorized access to privileged debug-mode functions. If exploited, it may allow attackers to gain root-level access and modify device software, compromising data confidentiality and integrity. This could lead to unauthorized data access or tampering, which are key concerns under GDPR and HIPAA.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply Extreme Networks' official patches or updates for EXOS. Disable debug-mode unless absolutely necessary. Restrict low-privilege account access to only trusted users. Monitor network traffic for unauthorized debug-mode activations. Review and audit device configurations for integrity.

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