# CVE-2026-86060: MikroTik RouterOS argument delimiter neutralization privilege escalation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86060-mikrotik-routeros-argument-delimiter-neutralization-privilege  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-05. Updated: 2026-09-24  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-86060 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2026-09-05

MikroTik RouterOS is a widely deployed network operating system used to manage routers and network appliances. This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate security policy masks through improper command argument handling, enabling them to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized administrative control over affected devices. Exploitation has been observed in the wild, posing an immediate threat to network infrastructure security.

Technologies: [MikroTik RouterOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/routeros). Vendors: [MikroTik](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/mikrotik).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86060 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2026-86060 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 10 September 2026. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86060?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 5 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** MikroTik RouterOS.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86060?** 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-2026-86060 attacked?** It is attacked over the network or from the adjacent network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86060?** Check whether you run MikroTik RouterOS. 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 a command argument delimiter injection issue in MikroTik RouterOS where insufficient sanitization of command-line arguments permits an attacker to bypass security controls. The flaw resides in the command processing mechanism that handles policy mask configuration. An attacker can craft malicious commands with specially crafted delimiters to alter the trusted policy mask, effectively circumventing access controls and escalating privileges. The vulnerability is exploitable by authenticated or network-adjacent users depending on the RouterOS configuration exposed. Patches or firmware updates from MikroTik are likely available; administrators should verify the latest security advisories.

## Affected products

- MikroTik RouterOS

## Timeline

- 2026-09-10: disclosed
- exploited: Reported exploited in the wild

## Related threats

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- [MikroTik RouterOS integer overflow in ipt_SAME module](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112158-a-weakness-has-been-identified-in-mikrotik-routeros-up-to-6-40-5)
- [MikroTik RouterOS WinBox incorrect authorization in authentication](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-103903-an-incorrect-authorization-vulnerability-in-the-winbox)
- [MikroTik RouterOS integer underflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-84411-mikrotik-routeros)
- [MikroTik RouterOS improper input validation in BGP labelled-VPN NLRI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-93345-mikrotik-routeros-before-7-25beta4-contains-an-improper-input)