CVE-2026-46467 Overview
CVE-2026-46467 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Dell PowerProtect Data Domain. The flaw stems from the insertion of sensitive information into log files [CWE-532]. A low-privileged attacker with local access to the appliance can read these log files and obtain sensitive data that should not be exposed.
Dell tracks this issue in security advisory DSA-2026-278. The vulnerability affects the Dell Data Domain Operating System (DDOS) across multiple release trains, including current, LTS2026, LTS2025, and LTS2024 branches.
Critical Impact
Local low-privileged users can extract sensitive data written to log files by Dell PowerProtect Data Domain, enabling further compromise of backup infrastructure and stored credentials.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerProtect Data Domain versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.7
- Dell PowerProtect Data Domain LTS2026 versions 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.10 and LTS2025 versions 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.30
- Dell PowerProtect Data Domain LTS2024 versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.70
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-03 - CVE-2026-46467 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-07-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-46467
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-532]: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File. Dell PowerProtect Data Domain writes sensitive data into log files that are accessible to users holding low-privileged local accounts on the appliance.
Exploitation requires local access to the Data Domain operating system and does not require user interaction. The attack complexity is high, indicating the attacker must satisfy additional conditions beyond simple log reads. Successful exploitation yields high confidentiality impact with limited effects on integrity and availability.
Because PowerProtect Data Domain stores backup and replication credentials, disclosed log content can include material useful for lateral movement into the broader backup fabric. This raises the practical impact beyond a single appliance.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper handling of sensitive information within logging routines of the Data Domain Operating System. Log records intended for operational diagnostics include values that should have been redacted, masked, or omitted before being written to persistent storage.
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticates to the appliance as a low-privileged local user. The attacker then reads log files reachable at that privilege level and parses them for credentials, tokens, or configuration values inserted by vulnerable logging paths. No network access or user interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2026-46467. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2026-278 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-46467
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected read access to Data Domain log directories by non-administrative local accounts.
- Local shell sessions issuing repeated grep, cat, or less operations against system and audit log files.
- Copies or exports of log files to user-writable directories on the appliance.
Detection Strategies
- Enable and forward Data Domain audit logs to a centralized SIEM for review of local user command history.
- Baseline normal log-access patterns for service accounts, then alert on deviations from that baseline.
- Correlate local logins with subsequent file-read activity targeting logs containing credentials or tokens.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor authentication events for low-privileged local accounts on all PowerProtect Data Domain systems.
- Track outbound transfers or SCP/SFTP sessions initiated from the appliance following local login events.
- Review Dell support bundles and diagnostic exports for unauthorized generation by non-admin users.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-46467
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed releases identified in Dell advisory DSA-2026-278 to every affected PowerProtect Data Domain system.
- Inventory local accounts on each appliance and remove any that are not required for operations.
- Rotate credentials, tokens, and keys that may have been written to log files prior to patching.
Patch Information
Dell has released fixed versions for the affected release trains. Review the Dell Security Update DSA-2026-278 for the exact fixed versions corresponding to your deployed release (mainline 7.7.1.0–8.7, LTS2026 8.6.1.x, LTS2025 8.3.1.x, LTS2024 7.13.1.x).
Workarounds
- Restrict local shell access on Data Domain appliances to a minimal set of administrators until patching completes.
- Enforce least-privilege role assignments and disable unused local user accounts.
- Increase retention and centralization of audit logs off-appliance to detect misuse of local access during the exposure window.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
