CVE-2026-23370
Description
A flaw was found in the dell-wmi-sysman component of the Linux kernel. This vulnerability occurs because the set_new_password() function incorrectly hex dumps the entire buffer, which includes sensitive plaintext password data. A local attacker could exploit this to disclose user credentials, leading to unauthorized access.
Statement
This flaw affects Dell systems using the dell-wmi-sysman driver for BIOS password management. The debug hex dump exposes plaintext current and new passwords to kernel logs (dmesg). A local user with access to kernel logs could retrieve BIOS passwords. This is an information disclosure issue rather than code execution.
Mitigation
Restrict access to kernel logs (dmesg) via kernel.dmesg_restrict sysctl setting.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.4 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | High | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | Required | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control
Technical Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Storing a plaintext password in a configuration file allows anyone who can read the file to access the password-protected resource. In some contexts, even storage of a plaintext password in memory is considered a security risk if the password is not cleared immediately after it is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
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