CVE entry · CVE-2026-24061
CVE-2026-24061: GNU InetUtils Argument Injection Vulnerability
GNU InetUtils contains an argument injection vulnerability in telnetd that could allow for remote authentication bypass via a "-f root" value for the USER environment variable.
- Actively exploited: added to CISA’s KEV catalog on January 26, 2026.
- Use by ransomware: not established so far.
- Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: February 16, 2026.
Description from CISA’s KEV catalog.
What to do
- Check whether your estate includes GNU InetUtils, including internet-facing devices.
- Apply the vendor’s patch or mitigations (references below). Failing that, isolate the product or stop using it, as CISA requires of US federal agencies.
- An exploited vulnerability has often been used before it was fixed: look for signs of compromise, especially on internet-facing devices.
References
- Vendor advisory or reference cited by CISA (codeberg.org)
- Vendor advisory or reference cited by CISA (codeberg.org)
- NVD entry (NIST)
- CISA KEV catalog