PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-12504 Loytec CVE debrief
CVE-2026-12504 is an Improper Authentication vulnerability in the PAM configuration of various Loytec products, including LIP-ME201C, L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L-IOB, L-DALI, L-VIS, and L-PAD, through version 8.4.16 on LINX-A64. This vulnerability allows a local attacker to authenticate as a uid=0 account without a password, potentially leading to a root shell via an `/etc/passwd` entry with an empty password field. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.4 and is classified as HIGH severity.
- Vendor
- Loytec
- Product
- LIP-ME20xC
- CVSS
- HIGH 8.4
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-07-24
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-07-27
- Advisory published
- 2026-07-24
- Advisory updated
- 2026-07-27
Who should care
Organizations using Loytec LIP-ME201C, L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L-IOB, L-DALI, L-VIS, and L-PAD through version 8.4.16 on LINX-A64 should prioritize patching this vulnerability. Local attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access with root privileges.
Technical summary
The vulnerability exists in the PAM configuration of affected Loytec products, including LIP-ME201C, L-INX, L-GATE, L-ROC, L-IOB, L-DALI, L-VIS, and L-PAD, through version 8.4.16 on LINX-A64. An attacker can exploit this by creating an `/etc/passwd` entry with an empty password field, allowing authentication as uid=0 without a password. This could lead to a root shell being obtained by the attacker. The issue is related to CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and CWE-521. A local attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access with root privileges, emphasizing the need for prompt patching and additional monitoring of local authentication attempts.
Defensive priority
High priority should be given to patching this vulnerability due to its high CVSS score and the potential for local attackers to gain root access without a password.
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply the vendor-provided patch or update to a version beyond 8.4.16 for the affected Loytec products.
- Implement additional monitoring for local authentication attempts.
- Restrict access to sensitive configuration files like `/etc/passwd`.
- Consider using alternative authentication methods that do not rely solely on PAM configuration.
- Regularly review system logs for suspicious authentication attempts.
Evidence notes
The CVE record was published on 2026-07-24T15:17:11.157Z and last modified on 2026-07-27T20:32:11.620Z. The NVD entry is currently Deferred. A reference from [email protected] provides additional details about the vulnerability.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-12504 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-12504
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-12504 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-12504
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.loytec.com/support/product-security/advisories/8521-dibt-cve-20260526-0003-pam-passwordless-uid-0-authentication-high
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.