Applied Cybernetics Group
Threat intel → detection pipeline
Friday, September 18, 2026
Data as of 13:09 UTC

MikroTik RouterOS Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command Vulnerability

Added to KEV
2026-09-10
Federal due date
2026-09-13
Vendor
MikroTik
Product
RouterOS
EPSS
62.8th percentile (score 0.011, as of 2026-09-16)
NVD CVSS v3.1
9.8 (CRITICAL)
Ransomware use
Unknown
Upstream
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86060

CISA short description

MikroTik RouterOS contains an improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command vulnerability which allows an attacker to change the trusted RouterOS policy mask, leading to privilege escalation.

Required action

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

NVD description

RouterOS contains an argument-handling flaw in the SSH login path involving usernames that begin with a prohibited character, allowing for the trusted RouterOS policy mask to be changed, leading to privilege escalation. Exploitation requires an unauthenticated SSH session to reach the RouterOS login helper.This issue was fixed in versions: 6.49.21 (Long-term), 7.23.4 (Long-term) and 7.24.2 (Stable)

EPSS percentile is the FIRST.org exploit-probability ranking as of the date noted above; it moves daily. CVSS reflects NVD's analysis at time of publication.