# CVE-2026-81936: Lenovo XClarity Controller 3 default password re-introduced after reset

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81936-an-internal-security-review-identified-a-development-regression  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-11. Updated: 2026-11-11  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-81936 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.8 · Published 2026-11-11

Lenovo ThinkSystem V4 servers include an integrated management controller (XCC3) used to monitor and configure the hardware remotely. A regression in versions 2.51–2.56 causes the default OpenBMC password to be restored when administrators perform a factory reset, allowing attackers with network access to gain administrative control over the server and its operating system.

Vendors: [Lenovo](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/lenovo).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-81936 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-81936 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-81936?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.8, published 11 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Lenovo XClarity Controller 3 (XCC3) 2.51 IHX432Y to 2.56 IHX436K.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-81936?** 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-2026-81936 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-81936?** Check whether you run Lenovo XClarity Controller 3 (XCC3) 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 development regression re-introduces the default OpenBMC root password after XCC Reset to Default operation in affected versions. An attacker on the network can use the default credential to access administrative interfaces and the underlying XCC operating system, which is normally restricted. The vulnerability affects only versions 2.51 (IHX432Y) through 2.56 (IHX436K), which are no longer available for download.

## Affected products

- Lenovo XClarity Controller 3 (XCC3) 2.51 IHX432Y to 2.56 IHX436K

## Timeline

- 2026-11-11: disclosed

## References

- [https://lenovopress.lenovo.com/lp2273-lenovo-xclarity-controller-3-xcc3](https://lenovopress.lenovo.com/lp2273-lenovo-xclarity-controller-3-xcc3)