CVE-2026-2249: METIS DFS Unauthenticated RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-2249 Overview

CVE-2026-2249 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting METIS Data Fusion Server (DFS) devices running oscore versions 2.1.234-r18 and earlier. The vulnerability exists in an exposed web-based shell at the /console endpoint that lacks proper authentication controls. This security flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with daemon privileges without requiring any authentication credentials.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can achieve full command execution on affected METIS DFS devices without authentication, potentially compromising device configuration, accessing sensitive data, and disrupting critical services.

Affected Products

• METIS DFS devices running oscore version 2.1.234-r18 and earlier
• METIS Data Fusion Server with exposed /console endpoint

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE-2026-2249 published to NVD
• 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-2249

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a severe authentication bypass (CWE-287) that exposes a web-based shell interface to unauthenticated remote attackers. The /console endpoint on affected METIS DFS devices provides direct command execution capabilities that should be restricted to authenticated administrators only. Because the endpoint lacks authentication requirements entirely, any network-connected attacker can interact with the shell and execute operating system commands.

The commands execute with daemon privileges, which, while not root-level access, still provides significant capabilities on the target system. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can modify device configuration, read and alter sensitive data stored on the device, or disrupt services entirely.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-2249 is the absence of authentication mechanisms on the /console endpoint. This web-based shell interface was implemented without access control checks, allowing any HTTP request to the endpoint to be processed and executed without validating the identity or authorization level of the requester. This represents a fundamental failure in secure development practices where sensitive administrative functionality was exposed without proper access controls.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and requires no user interaction or prior authentication. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying a METIS DFS device on the network running a vulnerable oscore version
2. Sending HTTP requests directly to the /console endpoint
3. Submitting arbitrary operating system commands through the web shell interface
4. Commands are executed with daemon user privileges on the target device

The exploitation is straightforward and does not require specialized tools or complex exploit chains. The attacker simply needs network access to the vulnerable device's web interface.

The vulnerable endpoint allows direct command injection through the web-based shell interface. When a request is made to /console, the device processes command parameters without authentication validation, directly passing them to the operating system for execution under the daemon user context. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Cydome Vulnerability Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-2249

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected HTTP requests to the /console endpoint from external or unauthorized IP addresses
• Unusual process execution under the daemon user account
• Suspicious command execution patterns on METIS DFS devices
• Unauthorized configuration changes on affected devices

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for requests targeting the /console endpoint
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to alert on traffic patterns associated with web shell access
• Deploy endpoint detection to identify anomalous process spawning under the daemon user context
• Review authentication logs for signs of bypassed access controls

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on METIS DFS devices to capture all HTTP requests
• Configure SIEM rules to correlate /console access attempts with suspicious command execution
• Establish baseline network behavior for METIS DFS devices to identify deviations
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical device configuration files

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-2249

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the /console endpoint using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Disable or block the web-based shell interface if not operationally required
• Isolate affected METIS DFS devices from untrusted networks until patching is possible
• Audit device logs for signs of prior exploitation

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the Metis Official Website for official patch availability and upgrade instructions. Ensure that METIS DFS devices are updated to a version of oscore newer than 2.1.234-r18 when a patched version becomes available. Review the Cydome Vulnerability Advisory for additional remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement network-level access controls to restrict access to the /console endpoint to trusted management networks only
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to filter and block unauthorized requests to the /console path
• Use VPN or jump hosts to limit direct network exposure of METIS DFS management interfaces
• Consider disabling the web-based shell functionality entirely if not required for operations

# Example firewall rule to restrict /console access (iptables)
# Replace <MANAGEMENT_IP> with your trusted management network
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -m string --string "/console" --algo bm -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -m string --string "/console" --algo bm -j DROP
# Allow only from trusted management network
iptables -I INPUT -s <MANAGEMENT_IP>/24 -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I INPUT -s <MANAGEMENT_IP>/24 -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT