CVE-2026-0796 identifies a critical OS command injection vulnerability in the ALGO 8180 IP Audio Alerter, specifically in version 5.5. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in user-supplied input within the device's web-based user interface. This flaw allows an authenticated attacker to inject arbitrary OS commands by manipulating input fields that are passed directly to system calls without adequate sanitization or validation. The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to authenticate to the device's web UI, but no further user interaction is necessary. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution with the privileges of the device's operating environment, potentially allowing attackers to alter device behavior, disrupt audio alerting functions, or use the device as a foothold for lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability was cataloged by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-28322 and assigned a CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.2, indicating high severity. Although no public exploits have been reported, the nature of the flaw and the critical role of the device in alerting systems make it a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts to reduce exposure.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly for those relying on ALGO 8180 IP Audio Alerter devices in critical communication and alerting infrastructures. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized control over alerting systems, resulting in denial of critical audio alerts or false alerts, which may disrupt emergency response, security operations, or operational continuity. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could execute arbitrary commands to extract sensitive information or manipulate device logs. Integrity is compromised by the potential to alter device configurations or alert messages. Availability is threatened through possible device crashes or persistent compromise. Given the device’s role in physical security and safety systems, the operational impact could extend to public safety and regulatory compliance issues. The requirement for authentication limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with weak credential management or exposed management interfaces. European organizations with interconnected security systems or those in sectors such as transportation, utilities, or government are particularly vulnerable to cascading effects from such a compromise.

1. Immediately restrict network access to the ALGO 8180 IP Audio Alerter web interface using network segmentation, firewalls, or VPNs to limit exposure to trusted administrators only. 2. Enforce strong, unique authentication credentials and consider multi-factor authentication if supported to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual commands or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Disable or limit unnecessary services and interfaces on the device to reduce attack vectors. 5. Implement strict input validation and sanitization controls if device configuration allows customization. 6. Engage with ALGO for firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability; apply them promptly once available. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on device management interfaces. 8. Develop incident response plans that include scenarios involving compromised alerting devices to minimize operational disruption. 9. Educate administrators on the risks of command injection vulnerabilities and secure management practices. 10. Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures targeting command injection attempts on the device’s management ports.