CVE-2026-24185: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in NVIDIA NVOS
NVIDIA NVOS for network switches contains a vulnerability in the secure shell (SSH) server configuration component while PKA-only mode is enabled, where an administrator could inadvertently enable an alternative authentication path. If best practices for replacing the default password as recommended by NVIDIA are not followed, this alternative authentication path might lead to unauthorized access. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to escalation of privileges.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-24185 describes an authentication bypass vulnerability in NVIDIA NVOS network switch software. The issue arises in the SSH server configuration component when PKA-only mode is enabled, allowing an administrator to inadvertently enable an alternative authentication path. Failure to follow NVIDIA's best practices for replacing the default password can result in unauthorized access through this alternate path. Exploitation could lead to escalation of privileges on the affected device. No patch or official remediation guidance is currently provided.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation may allow unauthorized users to bypass authentication controls and escalate privileges on the affected NVIDIA NVOS network switches. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H).
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, it is critical to follow NVIDIA's best practices, including replacing the default password to prevent unauthorized access via the alternative authentication path.
CVE-2026-24185: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in NVIDIA NVOS
Description
NVIDIA NVOS for network switches contains a vulnerability in the secure shell (SSH) server configuration component while PKA-only mode is enabled, where an administrator could inadvertently enable an alternative authentication path. If best practices for replacing the default password as recommended by NVIDIA are not followed, this alternative authentication path might lead to unauthorized access. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to escalation of privileges.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-24185 describes an authentication bypass vulnerability in NVIDIA NVOS network switch software. The issue arises in the SSH server configuration component when PKA-only mode is enabled, allowing an administrator to inadvertently enable an alternative authentication path. Failure to follow NVIDIA's best practices for replacing the default password can result in unauthorized access through this alternate path. Exploitation could lead to escalation of privileges on the affected device. No patch or official remediation guidance is currently provided.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation may allow unauthorized users to bypass authentication controls and escalate privileges on the affected NVIDIA NVOS network switches. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H).
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, it is critical to follow NVIDIA's best practices, including replacing the default password to prevent unauthorized access via the alternative authentication path.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- nvidia
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-21T19:09:32.732Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a84a5fcc6e8be0332994fd3
Added to database: 08/18/2026, 18:35:40 UTC
Last enriched: 08/18/2026, 18:49:37 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 01:55:08 UTC
Views: 9
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