CVE-2026-32652: Dell AIOps Collector Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2026-32652 Overview

CVE-2026-32652 is a default credentials vulnerability affecting Dell AIOps Collector versions prior to 1.18.3. The flaw is classified under [CWE-1392]: Use of Default Credentials. A low-privileged attacker with console access can exploit the embedded credentials to gain filesystem access on affected hosts. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the collector host.

The issue affects only fresh installations of Collector versions earlier than 1.18.3. Systems upgraded manually or automatically to 1.18.3 or later are not impacted, even if originally deployed on an earlier release.

Critical Impact
An authenticated local attacker can leverage default credentials to obtain filesystem access on the Dell AIOps Collector, leading to full host compromise.

Affected Products

Dell AIOps Collector versions prior to 1.18.3 (fresh installations only)
Dell AIOps Collector 1.18.3 and later are not affected
Systems upgraded to 1.18.3 from earlier versions are not impacted

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-17 - CVE-2026-32652 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-32652

Vulnerability Analysis

The Dell AIOps Collector ships with default credentials present in fresh installations of versions earlier than 1.18.3. The credentials are accessible to any local user able to reach the console of the host. Exploitation does not require user interaction and the attack complexity is low.

Because the credentials grant filesystem access, an attacker can read sensitive collector data, alter configuration, or stage further activity such as persistence and lateral movement. The collector aggregates telemetry from enterprise infrastructure, so compromise can expose downstream monitoring data and credentials cached on disk.

Root Cause

The root cause is the inclusion of hardcoded or default credentials in the initial installation package, mapped to [CWE-1392]. Fresh installations provision these credentials without forcing a rotation step. Upgrades replace or invalidate the default credential material, which is why upgraded systems are not affected.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local. An attacker with low-privileged console access authenticates to the collector service using the known default credentials. After authentication, the attacker obtains filesystem-level access on the host, enabling arbitrary read and write within the collector's process context.

No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been published. Refer to the Dell Security Update for AIOps Collector for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-32652

Indicators of Compromise

Successful authentication events to the Dell AIOps Collector from local console sessions using service or default account names.
Unexpected file creation, modification, or access within the collector installation directory by non-administrative accounts.
New scheduled tasks, cron jobs, or systemd units created under the collector service account.

Detection Strategies

Inventory all Dell AIOps Collector installations and identify hosts running versions earlier than 1.18.3 that were freshly installed rather than upgraded.
Audit local authentication logs on collector hosts for logins to the default account followed by filesystem activity.
Compare current credential hashes and configuration files against a known-good baseline to detect tampering.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward collector host authentication, process, and file integrity events to a centralized SIEM for correlation.
Alert on first-time use of the default collector account and on any privilege transitions originating from that account.
Monitor outbound network connections from the collector host for anomalies consistent with data staging or exfiltration.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-32652

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade all Dell AIOps Collector installations to version 1.18.3 or later, following the Dell Security Update for AIOps Collector.
Restrict console and local interactive access to collector hosts to administrators only.
Rotate any credentials, API keys, or tokens that may have been stored on or accessed by the collector host.

Patch Information

Dell has released Collector version 1.18.3 to remediate CVE-2026-32652. Upgrading from any earlier version, either manually or via automatic update, eliminates the default credential exposure. The vendor advisory DSA-2026-231 documents fixed versions and upgrade procedures.

Workarounds

Limit local logon rights on collector hosts to a minimal set of trusted administrators until patching is complete.
Place collector hosts on a segmented management network to reduce the population of users with potential console access.
Enable host-based auditing for the collector installation directory and service account to detect exploitation attempts.

bash

# Verify the installed Dell AIOps Collector version on Linux
# Replace the package name if your distribution uses a different identifier
rpm -qa | grep -i aiops-collector
dpkg -l | grep -i aiops-collector

# After upgrading, confirm the version is 1.18.3 or later