CVE-2026-24061
telnetd in GNU Inetutils through 2.7 allows remote authentication bypass via a "-f root" value for the USER environment variable.
- Published
- Jan 21, 2026
- Updated
- Sep 29, 2026
- Assigning CNA
- mitre
- Evidence observed
- Jan 26, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HHigh · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 99.9%
- Model date
- Oct 17, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
CISA Known Exploited
This CVE appears in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Summary
telnetd in GNU Inetutils through 2.7 allows remote authentication bypass via a "-f root" value for the USER environment variable.
Sources
inetutils/CVE-2026-24061
GNU InetUtils telnetd Argument Injection Authentication Bypass (CVE-2026-24061)
Vulhub vulnerability labsDeclared conditions
- lab image version: vulhub/inetutils:2.5(inetutils/CVE-2026-24061/docker-compose.yml:services.telnetd.image)
modules/exploits/linux/telnet/gnu_inetutils_auth_bypass.rb
Metasploit Framework modulesDeclared conditions
- platform: Linux,Unix($.exploit_linux/telnet/gnu_inetutils_auth_bypass.platform)
- verification: check_not_declared($.exploit_linux/telnet/gnu_inetutils_auth_bypass.check)
Responsible use
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