CVE-2026-2249 is a critical security vulnerability identified in METIS Cyberspace Technology SA's METIS DFS product, specifically affecting devices running oscore version 2.1.234-r18 or earlier. The vulnerability arises from a missing authentication mechanism on the web-based shell interface accessible via the /console endpoint. This endpoint allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with 'daemon' privileges without any authentication or user interaction. The lack of access control on this critical function (classified under CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function and CWE-287: Improper Authentication) means that any unauthenticated attacker with network access to the device can gain significant control over the system. The attacker can modify device configurations, read or alter sensitive data, and disrupt or disable services, leading to full compromise of the device and potentially the broader network environment. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, reflecting its critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the ease of exploitation (network attack vector, no privileges or user interaction required). While no public exploits have been reported yet, the severity and straightforward exploitation path make it a prime target for attackers once exploit code becomes available. The vulnerability affects a widely deployed network storage and management product, increasing the risk to organizations relying on METIS DFS for critical infrastructure or data storage.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-2249 is substantial. Organizations using METIS DFS devices are at risk of unauthorized remote command execution, which can lead to complete system compromise. This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, alteration or deletion of critical configuration files, and disruption of storage services, potentially causing data loss or downtime. The compromise of these devices could also serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within enterprise networks, escalating the threat to broader IT infrastructure. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications that rely on METIS DFS for data storage and management could face severe operational and reputational damage. Additionally, the lack of authentication on a privileged interface increases the risk of automated exploitation by malware or ransomware campaigns targeting vulnerable devices. The threat is heightened by the fact that no user interaction or prior authentication is required, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the device. This could lead to widespread exploitation if devices are exposed to untrusted networks or insufficiently segmented internal networks.

European organizations should immediately identify all METIS DFS devices running oscore version 2.1.234-r18 or earlier within their networks. Since no official patches are currently available, organizations should implement the following mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to the /console endpoint by applying strict firewall rules or network segmentation to limit access only to trusted administrative hosts. 2) Employ network-level authentication or VPNs to control access to management interfaces. 3) Monitor network traffic for unusual access patterns or attempts to reach the /console endpoint. 4) Disable or block the /console endpoint if possible through device configuration or by applying web server access controls. 5) Engage with METIS Cyberspace Technology SA for updates on patches or firmware upgrades addressing this vulnerability and plan immediate deployment once available. 6) Conduct thorough audits of device logs and configurations to detect any signs of compromise. 7) Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. These measures should be combined with broader security hygiene practices such as regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory to ensure no vulnerable devices remain exposed.