CVE-2026-56690 Overview
CVE-2026-56690 is an SQL Injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting Dell PowerFlex Manager versions prior to 5.1.0.1. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. A low-privileged attacker with remote network access can inject crafted SQL statements into vulnerable query parameters. Successful exploitation leads to information disclosure, information exposure, and unauthorized access to backend data. Dell published advisory DSA-2026-066 to address this issue alongside other PowerFlex software vulnerabilities.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL statements against the PowerFlex Manager backend, exposing sensitive infrastructure management data and enabling unauthorized access across security scopes.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerFlex Manager versions prior to 5.1.0.1
- Deployments managing PowerFlex software-defined storage clusters
- Environments exposing PowerFlex Manager web interfaces to authenticated users
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-10 - CVE-2026-56690 published to NVD
- 2026-07-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-56690
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in PowerFlex Manager's handling of user-supplied input passed to backend SQL queries. The application fails to properly neutralize special SQL metacharacters before incorporating input into database statements. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can supply crafted input through exposed request parameters. The malicious input alters query logic, allowing extraction of data outside the attacker's authorized scope.
Because the scope metric is Changed, the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component boundary. The attacker gains confidentiality impact against records they should not access and limited integrity impact against database contents. The vulnerability does not directly enable remote code execution but exposes credentials, configuration data, and infrastructure metadata managed through PowerFlex Manager.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient input sanitization on request parameters incorporated into SQL statements. The application likely concatenates user input into query strings rather than using parameterized queries or prepared statements. This coding pattern falls under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the PowerFlex Manager interface and valid low-privileged credentials. The attacker submits crafted parameter values containing SQL operators, comment sequences, or UNION clauses. The backend database processes the injected fragments as part of the intended query. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own authenticated session.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2026-066 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-56690
Indicators of Compromise
- Anomalous SQL syntax patterns such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or comment sequences (--, /*) in PowerFlex Manager request logs
- Unexpected database error messages returned to authenticated user sessions
- Unusual data access patterns from low-privileged accounts accessing broad record sets
- Long or encoded query string parameters submitted to PowerFlex Manager endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Review PowerFlex Manager application and web server logs for SQL keywords in parameter values submitted by non-administrative accounts
- Enable database audit logging to identify queries that reference tables outside the authenticated user's expected scope
- Deploy web application firewall rules that flag SQL injection payload signatures targeting PowerFlex Manager URIs
- Correlate authentication events with database query volume spikes tied to the same session
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on repeated HTTP 500 responses from PowerFlex Manager tied to malformed parameter input
- Monitor for outbound data transfers from PowerFlex Manager hosts that exceed baseline volumes
- Track privilege boundary violations where a session reads data belonging to another tenant or scope
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-56690
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dell PowerFlex Manager to version 5.1.0.1 or later as directed by Dell advisory DSA-2026-066
- Restrict network access to PowerFlex Manager to trusted management networks and jump hosts
- Audit and rotate credentials for all low-privileged PowerFlex Manager accounts that could be abused for exploitation
- Review database and application logs for prior signs of SQL injection attempts
Patch Information
Dell released the fix in PowerFlex Manager version 5.1.0.1. Consult the Dell Security Update DSA-2026-066 for the complete list of addressed CVEs, upgrade paths, and validation steps.
Workarounds
- Limit PowerFlex Manager access to a minimum set of authenticated administrators until patching is complete
- Deploy a web application firewall in front of PowerFlex Manager with SQL injection signatures enabled
- Enforce network segmentation so PowerFlex Manager is unreachable from general user VLANs
- Disable or remove unused low-privileged accounts that could be leveraged for authenticated exploitation
# Verify installed PowerFlex Manager version and confirm it is 5.1.0.1 or later
# Example (adjust for your deployment method):
rpm -qa | grep -i powerflex-manager
# Or query the management appliance API
curl -k -u <admin> https://<pfxm-host>/api/version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
