# CVE-2026-8170: Extreme Networks ExtremeXOS privilege escalation via improper link resolution in file utilities

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-8170-extreme-networks-extremexos-privilege-escalation-via-improper-link  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-20. Updated: 2026-07-20  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-8170 · Severity: info · CVSS 8.7 · Published 2026-07-20

A vulnerability in Extreme Networks Switch Engine (EXOS) allows users with low-level access to bypass security restrictions and interact with sensitive system files. By using standard file commands like move or copy, an attacker can manipulate critical system data they should not be able to reach. This could lead to a complete takeover of the network switch, allowing unauthorized changes to the device software or permanent access for the attacker.

Vendors: [Extreme Networks](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/extreme-networks).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-8170 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-8170 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-8170?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 8.7, published 20 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Extreme Networks Switch Engine < 31.7.4, 32.0.0 < 32.7.4.15, 33.0.0 < 33.1.100, 33.2.0 < 33.7.1.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-8170?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-8170 attacked?** It is attacked over the network or with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-8170?** Check whether you run Extreme Networks Switch Engine 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

A link-following vulnerability (CWE-59) exists in the mv, cp, and rm utilities within the ExtremeXOS (EXOS) shell environment. The affected utilities fail to properly canonicalize file paths or validate symbolic link targets, allowing them to operate on files outside of the user's intended privilege boundary. An attacker with low-privilege CLI access can create a symbolic link pointing to a sensitive filesystem location and then use these utilities to manipulate security-critical files. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification of the software stack, and escalation to root-level privileges. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely via a low-privilege account or locally through the serial console.

## Affected products

- Extreme Networks Switch Engine (EXOS) < 31.7.4, 32.0.0 < 32.7.4.15, 33.0.0 < 33.1.100, 33.2.0 < 33.7.1

## Timeline

- 2026-07-20: advisory: Initial disclosure by Extreme Networks via NVD

## References

- [https://www.extremenetworks.com/support/policies/product-security](https://www.extremenetworks.com/support/policies/product-security)

## Related threats

- [Extreme Networks ExtremeXOS auth bypass in debug-mode](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-8169-extreme-networks-extremexos-auth-bypass-in-debug-mode)