RouterOS 6.x/7.x Privilege Escalation via Username Arg Flip in SSH
CVE-2026-86060 Published on September 5, 2026
SSH session privilege manipulation via a crafted username in Mikrotik RouterOS
RouterOS contains an argument-handling flaw in the SSH login
path involving usernames that begin with a prohibited character, allowing for the trusted RouterOS policy mask to be changed, leading to privilege escalation. Exploitation requires an unauthenticated SSH session to reach the RouterOS login helper.This issue was fixed in versions: 6.49.21 (Long-term), 7.23.4 (Long-term) and 7.24.2 (Stable)
Known Exploited Vulnerability
This MikroTik RouterOS Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. MikroTik RouterOS contains an improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command vulnerability which allows an attacked to change the trusted RouterOS policy mask, leading to privilege escalation.
The following remediation steps are recommended / required by September 13, 2026: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicab
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-86060 is exploitable with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. This vulnerability is known to be actively exploited by threat actors in an automatable fashion. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is an Argument Injection Vulnerability?
The software constructs a string for a command to executed by a separate component in another control sphere, but it does not properly delimit the intended arguments, options, or switches within that command string.
CVE-2026-86060 has been classified to as an Argument Injection vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-86060
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Affected Versions
Mikrotik RouterOS:- Version 7.24 and below 7.24.2 is affected.
- Version 7.0.0 and below 7.23.4 is affected.
- Version 6.0.0 and below 6.49.21 is affected.