CVE-2026-86060
MikroTik RouterOS Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command Vulnerability
CVSS
9.8
Critical
EPSS
6.4%
p94
KEV
YES
Sep 10, 2026
Exploit Today
78
0-100
Published: Sep 5, 2026 · Last modified: Sep 11, 2026 · CWE-88
Product
MikroTik / RouterOS
Vulnerability
MikroTik RouterOS Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command Vulnerability
Added to KEV
Sep 10, 2026
Remediate by
Sep 13, 2026
Known ransomware use
No
Summary 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.
Notes
https://mikrotik.com/supportsec/september-2026-vulnerability ; BOD 26-04: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; Forensics Triage Requirements: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk ; https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86060
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)
- cert.plhttps://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/mikrotik-routeros-cve
- cert.plhttps://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/vulnerabilities-in-mikrotik-routeros-actively-exploited/
- forum.mikrotik.comhttps://forum.mikrotik.com/t/6-49-21-long-term-is-released/272802
- forum.mikrotik.comhttps://forum.mikrotik.com/t/7-23-4-long-term-is-released/272801
- forum.mikrotik.comhttps://forum.mikrotik.com/t/7-24-2-stable-is-released/272800
- mikrotik.comhttps://mikrotik.com/supportsec/september-2026-vulnerability/
- npratley.nethttps://npratley.net/reversing-mikrotiks-silent-patch-the-routeros-7-23-4-fix-they-wouldnt-explain/
- www.cisa.govhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-86060