Name: CVE-2026-24061: Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command
Creator: Rapid7
Published: 2026-01-21T00:00:00.000Z
License: https://www.rapid7.com/legal/website-terms-of-use/
Keywords: CVE, CVE-2026-24061, CWE-88, Exploited in the Wild, CISA KEV Exploit, Metasploit Module, CVSS 9.8, EPSS 0.98984, CISA KEV

telnetd in GNU Inetutils through 2.7 allows remote authentication bypass via a "-f root" value for the USER environment variable.

CVSS Details

CVSS 3.1 Base Score: 9.8
CVSS 3.1 Vector: (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)

Covered by Rapid7

Product	Vendor Advisory	Solution File	Added	Published
Alpine Linux	—	Upgrade inetutils-telnet	Oct 20, 2026	Jan 21, 2026
Debian	—	Upgrade inetutils	Jan 23, 2026	Jan 23, 2026
Gentoo Linux	—	Upgrade net-misc/inetutils.	Jan 27, 2026	Jan 26, 2026
Ubuntu	—	Upgrade inetutils-telnetdUpgrade inetutils-telnetd (Ubuntu Pro)	Feb 3, 2026	Jan 21, 2026

Prioritize with Active Threat Intelligence

With curated Threat Intelligence, you can see which vulnerabilities truly put you at risk, prioritize what matters most, and act before attackers do.

Explore Intelligence Hub

MDR Buyer's Guide

Global Threat Landscape Report

Grow your business