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CVE-2026-91151: Red Hat Cockpit Security Vulnerability

CVE-2026-91151 explained: high Security Vulnerability in Red Hat Cockpit. CVSS 7.3. Affected versions, detection, fixes and CTEM priority.

Last updated: Nov 11, 2026

CVSS
7.3 HIGH
EPSS
n/a
CISA KEV
Not listed
CWE
CWE-59

Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS

CVE-2026-91151 Overview

A flaw was found in Cockpit. A local authenticated user with control over a target account's home directory can exploit a privileged symlink dereference vulnerability in the `ssh-add-public-key.sh` helper. When this helper runs with elevated privileges, it can be tricked into following attacker-controlled symlinks within the `.ssh` or `authorized_keys` paths. This allows the attacker to arbitrarily change file ownership and modes, potentially leading to local privilege escalation and impacting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system.

Critical Impact

Local or adjacent, authenticated attackers who persuade a user to act can exploit this Security Vulnerability in Red Hat Cockpit. The CVSS base score is 7.3 (High).

Affected Products

  • Red Hat Cockpit: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions

Discovery Timeline

  • 2026-11-11: CVE-2026-91151 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secalert@redhat.com
  • 2026-11-11: last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-91151

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-91151 is a Security Vulnerability weakness (CWE-59) in Red Hat Cockpit. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs some level of access, and relies on a user taking an action.

With a CVSS base score of 7.3, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

Root Cause

The vendor description states: A flaw was found in Cockpit. A local authenticated user with control over a target account's home directory can exploit a privileged symlink dereference vulnerability in the `ssh-add-public-key.sh` helper. When this helper runs with elevated privileges, it can be tricked into following attacker-controlled symlinks within the `.ssh` or `authorized_keys` paths. This allows the attacker to arbitrarily change file ownership and modes, potentially leading to local privilege escalation and impacting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system.

Attack Vector

Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs some level of access, and relies on a user taking an action. Attack complexity is low complexity.

No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-91151

Detection Strategies

  • Inventory every instance of Red Hat Cockpit and compare the running version with the affected range above.
  • Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
  • Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.

Monitoring Recommendations

  • Forward Red Hat Cockpit application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
  • Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
  • Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-91151

Immediate Actions Required

  • Apply the fixed version of Red Hat Cockpit named in the vendor advisory.
  • Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
  • Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.

Patch Information

Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for Red Hat Cockpit.

Workarounds

  • If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.

CWE References

Technical References

This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.

Frequently asked questions

CVE-2026-91151 is a high severity Security Vulnerability in Red Hat Cockpit with a CVSS score of 7.3. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

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