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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-71260 esphome CVE debrief

The ESPHome web_server component discloses plaintext passwords via its text_json_() function, allowing an attacker on the local network to retrieve sensitive information via GET /text/<entity_id> or the /events EventSource stream. This vulnerability affects ESPHome versions up to 2026.7.0-dev and has a CVSS score of 6.5 (MEDIUM severity). The vulnerability is caused by a text entity configured with mode: password having its JSON 'state' field masked, but the raw password is written to the JSON 'value' field. ESPHome users, particularly those with sensitive information (e.g. WiFi credentials, API tokens) configured in their ESPHome setup, should prioritize patching to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The CVE record was published on 2026-08-05T13:24:50.117Z and has not been modified since then. Further investigation is needed to determine the full scope of affected systems and potential mitigations.

Vendor
esphome
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 6.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-05
Original CVE updated
2026-08-05
Advisory published
2026-08-05
Advisory updated
2026-08-05

Who should care

ESPHome users, particularly those with sensitive information (e.g. WiFi credentials, API tokens) configured in their ESPHome setup, should prioritize patching to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Security teams and vulnerability management teams should also review the vulnerability and assess their exposure.

Technical summary

The ESPHome web_server component discloses plaintext passwords via its text_json_() function. A text entity configured with mode: password has its JSON 'state' field masked, but the raw password is written to the JSON 'value' field. This allows an attacker on the local network to retrieve plaintext passwords via GET /text/<entity_id> or the /events EventSource stream. The vulnerability affects ESPHome versions up to 2026.7.0-dev.

Defensive priority

ESPHome users should prioritize patching to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Patch ESPHome to the latest version
  • Review and update WiFi credentials and API tokens
  • Implement additional security measures to protect against unauthorized access
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details about the vulnerability in ESPHome. Further investigation is needed to determine the full scope of affected systems and potential mitigations. The web_server component's text_json_() function discloses plaintext passwords, allowing an attacker on the local network to retrieve sensitive information via GET /text/<entity_id> or the /events EventSource stream. ESPHome users should verify their deployments and consider additional security measures.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-08-05T13:24:50.117Z and has not been modified since then.