CVE-2026-86060 MikroTik RouterOS Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command
Attackers can escalate privileges by manipulating SSH usernames to alter policy masks, requiring an upgrade to secure RouterOS devices.
- Exploited in the wild
- Since 10 Sep 2026
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-86060?
CVE-2026-86060 is a critical vulnerability in Mikrotik Routeros, published on 5 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
RouterOS contains an argument-handling flaw in the SSH login path involving usernames that begin with a prohibited character, allowing for the trusted RouterOS policy mask to be changed, leading to privilege escalation. Exploitation requires an unauthenticated SSH session to reach the RouterOS login helper.This issue was fixed in versions: 6.49.21 (Long-term), 7.23.4 (Long-term) and 7.24.2 (Stable)
Weakness: CWE-88
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-86060?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Mikrotik Routeros.
How do I fix CVE-2026-86060?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-86060 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 13 Sep 2026.
Is CVE-2026-86060 being exploited?
Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2026-86060 in the wild since at least 10 Sep 2026.
Public exploit code: 1 Exploit-DB entry and 3 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Other vulnerabilities in Mikrotik Routeros
- CVE-2018-7445 MikroTik RouterOS Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
- CVE-2018-14847 MikroTik Router OS Directory Traversal
- CVE-2026-67277 MikroTik RouterOS Missing Authentication for Critical Function
- CVE-2026-67279 Mikrotik RouterOS Improper Enforcement of Behavioral Workflow
- CVE-2017-20149 Memory corruption in n/a
Sources
Also known as GHSA-6425-cjxv-52gp.