CVE-2026-49002: Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-49002 Overview

CVE-2026-49002 is a broken access control vulnerability disclosed in a ZTE product through ZTE Security Bulletin #6783201397271515377. The flaw stems from insufficient enforcement of user access permissions [CWE-284]. Unauthorized users can reach system data and configuration interfaces beyond their assigned privilege level. Attackers can view sensitive configuration information and modify settings without proper authorization. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction.

Critical Impact
Remote, unauthenticated attackers can read and alter configuration data, leading to confidentiality and integrity compromise of affected ZTE systems.

Affected Products

ZTE product disclosed in Security Bulletin #6783201397271515377
Specific product names and versions are documented in the vendor bulletin
Refer to the ZTE advisory for the complete affected version matrix

Discovery Timeline

2026-05-27 - CVE CVE-2026-49002 published to NVD
2026-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-49002

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-284] Improper Access Control. The affected application fails to validate whether the requesting user holds the privileges required for the requested operation. This permission check gap allows callers to invoke functions or retrieve resources reserved for higher-privileged roles.

According to the description, unauthorized users can both view and modify configuration information. This dual capability indicates the missing check applies to read and write paths within the management interface. Configuration modification by unprivileged or unauthenticated actors can change device behavior, weaken security controls, or facilitate further attacks against connected infrastructure.

The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires no privileges or user interaction. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are high, while availability is not directly affected by the flaw.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incorrectly implemented authorization logic on sensitive endpoints. The application likely relies on client-side controls, predictable identifiers, or trust in request parameters rather than enforcing server-side access decisions tied to authenticated sessions and role assignments.

Attack Vector

An attacker reaches the management interface over the network and sends crafted requests targeting configuration endpoints. Because no privileges are required, the attacker bypasses role-based restrictions and interacts directly with protected resources. Successful exploitation discloses configuration data and permits unauthorized modifications to system settings.

No public proof-of-concept exploit is referenced in the available data. See the ZTE Security Bulletin #6783201397271515377 for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-49002

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected configuration changes on ZTE management interfaces without corresponding administrator activity
Access log entries showing successful requests to privileged endpoints from unauthenticated sessions or low-privilege accounts
HTTP requests to administrative paths originating from untrusted networks or unusual source addresses

Detection Strategies

Audit web server and application logs for requests to configuration and administrative URIs that lack valid authorization headers or session tokens
Correlate configuration change events with the authenticated identity that initiated them and flag mismatches
Deploy network monitoring to detect access attempts to ZTE device management ports from outside approved administrative ranges

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose audit logging on affected ZTE devices and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
Alert on configuration file or setting modifications outside change-management windows
Track baseline administrative request patterns and alert on deviations in volume, source, or endpoint coverage

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-49002

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the patch or firmware update referenced in ZTE Security Bulletin #6783201397271515377
Restrict network access to management interfaces using firewall rules and access control lists
Rotate administrative credentials and review existing configuration for unauthorized changes
Inventory ZTE assets to identify systems requiring remediation

Patch Information

ZTE has published Security Bulletin #6783201397271515377 documenting the vulnerability and remediation guidance. Administrators should consult the bulletin for the fixed versions and upgrade procedures applicable to their deployed product line. Patching is the only authoritative remediation for [CWE-284] access control defects of this nature.

Workarounds

Place management interfaces on isolated administrative networks reachable only through bastion hosts or VPN
Block external access to device management ports at perimeter firewalls until patches are applied
Limit administrative endpoints to source IP allowlists covering authorized operations staff
Disable any unused remote management services on affected devices

bash

# Example: restrict management interface access to a trusted administrative subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP