Actively Exploited, CISA KEV
CVE-2026-1281: Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM) Critical Vulnerability
Severity: Critical | CVSS 3.1: 9.8 | Published: 2026-01-29 | KEV Added: 2026-01-29
What is CVE-2026-1281?
A code injection in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile allowing attackers to achieve unauthenticated remote code execution.
Technical Analysis
Weakness Classification
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94, Code Injection. The application allows user input to be interpreted as code, giving an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code within the application context.
Attack Vector Breakdown
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- Confidentiality: High
- Integrity: High
- Availability: High
Impact Analysis
This vulnerability is exploitable over the network, meaning any system reachable via the internet or internal network is potentially at risk without physical access. The attack complexity is low, requires no special privileges, and needs no user interaction, making it straightforward to exploit at scale. Successful exploitation can result in full confidentiality breach (complete data disclosure), complete integrity compromise (data modification or code execution), total availability loss (denial of service). The application allows user input to be interpreted as code, giving an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code within the application context.
Exploitation Probability (EPSS): 81.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (100th percentile). This places the vulnerability in the highest risk tier, immediate action is critical.
Exploit Availability
Public exploit code or proof-of-concept is available for CVE-2026-1281. This significantly increases the risk of exploitation, as attackers can use or adapt existing exploit code rather than developing their own. A public exploit reference has been identified. Organizations should treat this as an urgent patching priority.
Is CVE-2026-1281 being exploited?
Yes. CVE-2026-1281 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, restricted to CVEs with confirmed active exploitation in the wild. CISA added this vulnerability on 2026-01-29. Inclusion in KEV triggers the patching mandate under BOD 22-01 for U.S. federal civilian agencies, with a remediation deadline of 2026-02-01. Additionally, public exploit code is available, which lowers the barrier for attackers.
How to fix CVE-2026-1281
Apply the security patch from the Ivanti download portal. For Ivanti EPMM (MobileIron), apply the RPM update. For Ivanti Connect Secure/Policy Secure, import the patch through the admin console. Follow the advisory for interim mitigation steps such as XML filtering or access restrictions. Check the Ivanti Security Advisories page for the specific patch or update. CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog requires U.S. federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by the due date shown below under Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Private organizations should treat KEV entries as priority-one patches because active exploitation has been confirmed in the wild.
Related Vulnerabilities
Other actively exploited vulnerabilities affecting Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM) or sharing the same weakness (CWE-94):
- CVE-2026-1340 (Critical 9.8) [same product + same CWE], A code injection in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile allowing attackers to…
- CVE-2026-6973 (High 7.2) [same product], An Improper Input Validation in Ivanti EPMM before versions 12.6.1.1…
- CVE-2026-15410 (High 7.2) [same CWE], Post-authentication improper control of generation of code ('Code Injection')…
- CVE-2025-67038 (Critical 9.8) [same CWE], An issue was discovered in Lantronix EDS5000 2.1.0.0R3. The HTTP RPC module…
- CVE-2026-10520 (Critical 10.0) [same vendor], An OS Command Injection vulnerability in Ivanti Sentry before the R10.5.2…
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2026-1281 critical?
CVE-2026-1281 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, Critical severity. It should be treated as a priority patch, especially given the active exploitation confirmed by CISA. The availability of public exploit code further increases the urgency.
Is CVE-2026-1281 being actively exploited?
Yes, CISA added CVE-2026-1281 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-01-29. Inclusion in KEV means CISA has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation. Public exploit code has also been identified, making exploitation accessible to a broader range of threat actors.
How do I patch CVE-2026-1281?
Apply the security update from Ivanti for Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM). Federal agencies must remediate by 2026-02-01 under BOD 22-01. Refer to the Ivanti Security Advisories for the official patch.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-1281?
CVE-2026-1281 is classified under CWE-94 (Code Injection). The application allows user input to be interpreted as code, giving an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code within the application context.
What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-1281?
CVE-2026-1281 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, classifying it as Critical severity. The attack vector is Network, attack complexity is Low, and no privileges are required.