Quick answer
Direct answer
Risk scores
| CVSS metric | What it means |
|---|---|
| Attack vector (AV:N) | Network: reachable remotely |
| Attack complexity (AC:L) | Low complexity |
| Privileges required (PR:H) | High privileges required |
| User interaction (UI:N) | No user interaction |
| Scope (S:C) | Scope changed: impact spreads beyond the component |
| Confidentiality (C:H) | High confidentiality impact |
| Integrity (I:H) | High integrity impact |
| Availability (A:H) | High availability impact |
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
About Dell Powerprotect Data Manager
CVE-2026-40712 affects Dell Powerprotect Data Manager, a product from Dell. Before acting, confirm where Dell Powerprotect Data Manager runs in your estate, who owns it and whether it is reachable from the internet, because exposure decides real risk more than the score alone.
What the flaw is
In plain terms: Dell PowerProtect Data Manager, versions prior to 20.2.0.0, contain(s) an Improper Input Validation vulnerability in the REST API. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges.
The weakness class is Improper Input Validation. The software trusts input without checking it is safe.
Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Affected versions and timeline
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Dell Powerprotect Data Manager |
| Affected versions | Powerprotect Data Manager before 20.2 |
| Published | Jul 22, 2026 |
| Last modified | Jul 29, 2026 |
| Added to CISA KEV | Not listed |
| Assigning CNA | security_alert@emc.com |
How to detect it
- Inventory every instance of Dell Powerprotect Data Manager and record the running version against the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Review logs on affected systems for unusual requests, errors or new processes around the vulnerable function.
- Confirm with an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner has a check for this CVE.
How to fix it
- Apply the fixed version of Dell Powerprotect Data Manager named in the vendor advisory.
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and put it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
- Rescan after the change to prove the exposure is gone, then close the ticket.
CTEM action plan
| CTEM stage | What to do for this CVE |
|---|---|
| Scope | Add every business service that depends on Dell Powerprotect Data Manager to the current CTEM cycle. |
| Discover | Find all instances, including shadow and cloud deployments, and record versions and exposure. |
| Prioritize | Rank using EPSS and CVSS together with asset exposure and business impact. |
| Validate | Confirm the flaw is reachable and exploitable in your environment and that compensating controls work. |
| Mobilize | Assign the fix to the asset owner with a due date matched to the priority, then verify closure. |
CWE References
- CWE-20: Improper Input Validation More CVEs with this weakness
Technical References
Frequently asked questions
Related CVEs
Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Policy Manager, versions prior to 5.34.00.16, contains a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Information disclosure, Protection mechanism bypass, Server-side request forgery, and Unauthorized access.
Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Policy Manager, versions prior to 5.34.00.16, contains an Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges.
Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Policy Manager, versions prior to 5.34.00.16, contains an Improper Certificate Validation vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Denial of service, Information disclosure, and Remote execution.
Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Policy Manager, versions prior to 5.34.00.16, contains an Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges, Filesystem access for attacker, and Remote execution.
Dell Secure Connect Gateway (SCG) Policy Manager, versions prior to 5.34.00.16, contains an Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges, Protection mechanism bypass, and Unauthorized access.
Dell Command | Configure (DCC), versions prior to 5.2.3.35, contain an Improper Handling of Mixed Encoding vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges.
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