The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2248 affects METIS WIC devices from METIS Cyberspace Technology SA, specifically versions running oscore 2.1.234-r18 or earlier. The core issue is a missing authentication mechanism on the /console web endpoint, which exposes a shell interface accessible remotely without any credentials. This flaw corresponds to CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication). Because the shell runs with root privileges (UID 0), an attacker can execute arbitrary operating system commands, effectively gaining full control over the device. This includes the ability to alter system configurations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt device functionality. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any user interaction or prior authentication, making it highly dangerous. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the critical nature of the flaw with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been observed yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers once exploit code becomes available. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting further elevates the risk. Organizations deploying METIS WIC devices should consider immediate compensating controls and monitor for any suspicious activity targeting the /console endpoint.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability is severe. METIS WIC devices are often used in network infrastructure, communications, or industrial control environments, where device compromise can lead to significant operational disruptions. Unauthorized root access enables attackers to manipulate device configurations, potentially causing network outages or enabling persistent backdoors. Confidential data stored or processed by these devices can be stolen, violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. The availability of critical services relying on these devices can be compromised, affecting business continuity and potentially critical infrastructure sectors like energy, transportation, or telecommunications. The ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the likelihood of attacks, especially from remote adversaries. This threat could also be leveraged for lateral movement within networks, amplifying its impact. European organizations must treat this vulnerability as a high-priority risk to avoid severe operational and regulatory consequences.

Given the absence of an official patch at the time of reporting, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. First, restrict network access to the /console endpoint by applying firewall rules or network segmentation to limit exposure only to trusted administrators. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor and block suspicious requests targeting this endpoint. If possible, disable the /console web shell interface entirely until a patch is available. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for signs of unauthorized access or command execution. Coordinate with METIS Cyberspace Technology SA for updates on patch releases and apply them promptly once available. Additionally, implement strong network-level authentication and VPN access for device management interfaces to reduce exposure. Conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain up-to-date asset inventories to quickly identify and remediate affected devices across the organization.