CVE-2026-22268 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-266 (Incorrect Privilege Assignment) affecting Dell PowerProtect Data Manager versions prior to 19.22. This vulnerability arises because the software incorrectly assigns privileges, allowing a low privileged attacker with remote access to escalate privileges or perform actions beyond their intended scope. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as triggering a specific function or process remotely. The primary impact is a denial of service condition that disrupts the Dell Enterprise Support connection, which is critical for enterprise environments relying on Dell's support infrastructure for backup and data protection management. The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality but affects integrity and availability by interrupting support services. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.3 reflects a medium severity level, with attack vector being network-based, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges, and user interaction. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege assignment in enterprise backup management software, as improper privilege controls can lead to service disruptions that impact business continuity. Dell PowerProtect Data Manager is widely used in enterprise environments for backup, recovery, and data protection, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations with critical data infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-22268 could be significant in sectors heavily reliant on Dell PowerProtect Data Manager for data backup and recovery, such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government. A denial of service on the Dell Enterprise Support connection could delay critical support and remediation efforts, potentially prolonging downtime and affecting business continuity. While the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data directly, the disruption of support services can indirectly impact operational integrity and availability of backup systems. Organizations with remote management enabled and low privilege user access to the system are at higher risk. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is not immediately critical, it requires timely attention to avoid escalation or exploitation in complex attack scenarios. European enterprises with stringent data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) must consider the operational risks posed by such service disruptions, as they could affect compliance and incident response capabilities.

1. Monitor Dell’s official channels for the release of patches addressing CVE-2026-22268 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Restrict remote access to Dell PowerProtect Data Manager interfaces to trusted networks and users only, employing network segmentation and VPNs where possible. 3. Enforce strict role-based access control (RBAC) policies to limit privileges granted to users, ensuring the principle of least privilege is maintained. 4. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access to management consoles to reduce the risk of unauthorized exploitation. 5. Regularly audit user privileges and access logs to detect any anomalous activities that could indicate attempted exploitation. 6. Educate users about the need for caution with remote interactions that could trigger the vulnerability, minimizing user interaction risks. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential denial of service scenarios affecting backup and support services to reduce downtime impact.