# CVE-2026-44106: Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3xxx privilege escalation in init-script

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44106-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-3xxx-privilege-escalation-in-init  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-30. Updated: 2026-07-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-44106 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-07-30

A security flaw exists in the startup scripts of Phoenix Contact CHARX electric vehicle charging controllers. This vulnerability allows a person with low-level access to the device to take complete control of the system as a root user. An attacker could use this to disrupt charging operations, steal data, or permanently disable the controller.

Technologies: [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3000](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/charx-sec-3000), [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3050](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/charx-sec-3050), [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3100](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/charx-sec-3100), [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3150](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/charx-sec-3150). Vendors: [Phoenix Contact](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/phoenix-contact).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-44106 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-44106 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-44106?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 30 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3000 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive); Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3050 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive); Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3100 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive); Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3150 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive).

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-44106?** A patch was published on 2026-07-30: Firmware version 1.9.1 released to address the issue Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-44106 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-44106?** Check whether you run Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3000, Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3050, Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3100 or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

This vulnerability is classified as an OS Command Injection (CWE-78) within the init-script responsible for user-applications in Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3xxx firmware. A local attacker with low-privileged access can exploit improper neutralization of special elements within the script to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. Successful exploitation leads to a total loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The issue affects firmware versions prior to 1.9.1, where a fix has been implemented.

## Affected products

- Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3000 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive)
- Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3050 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive)
- Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3100 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive)
- Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3150 1.0.0 to 1.9.1 (exclusive)

## Timeline

- 2026-07-30: advisory: Advisory published by CERT VDE and NVD
- 2026-07-30: patched: Firmware version 1.9.1 released to address the issue

## References

- [https://www.certvde.com/en/advisories/VDE-2026-008/](https://www.certvde.com/en/advisories/VDE-2026-008/)

## Related threats

- [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC command injection in system configuration](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-7849-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-command-injection-in-system)
- [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3xxx firewall bypass during shutdown](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44108-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-3xxx-firewall-bypass-during-shutdown)
- [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC charging controller unauthenticated reboot via Modbus TCP](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44107-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-charging-controller-unauthenticated)
- [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3xxx credential exposure in log files](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44105-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-3xxx-credential-exposure-in-log-files)
- [Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC firmware update signature bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44104-phoenix-contact-charx-sec-firmware-update-signature-bypass)