CVE-2026-86218: N-able N-central Static Code Injection Vulnerability

In short

N-able N-central has a weakness classified as static code injection (CWE-96). CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-09-08. NVD lists CVSS 4.0 at 10 CRITICAL.

What it is

“N-able N-central contains a static code injection vulnerability that could allow for pre-authentication remote code execution.” — CISA KEV, retrieved 2026-11-01

“N-central is vulnerable to a pre-auth remote code execution This issue affects N-central: before 2026.3.1.14.” — NVD, retrieved 2026-11-01

Who is affected

N-able N-central. NVD lists the following versions as affected:

• Versions before 2026.3
• Versions version 2026.3

Exploitation status

CISA KEV added: 2026-09-08. Known ransomware campaign use: Not reported by CISA. Due date CISA set for US federal civilian agencies: 2026-09-11.

Scores

NVD CVSS 4.0: 10 CRITICAL; vector CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X; source a5532a13-c4dd-4202-bef1-e0b8f2f8d12b.

EPSS by FIRST: 15.38%; percentile 96.78; score date 2026-10-31. EPSS estimates the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

CWE: CWE-96.

Timeline

CISA required action

“Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.” — CISA KEV

What to do

• Confirm whether you run N-able N-central and which version.
• Apply the vendor update or mitigation in the advisory.
• Follow CISA’s required action.
• Review the vendor guidance on signs of compromise.
• Track the fix through completion.

References

• Vendor Advisory: https://me.n-able.com/s/security-advisory/aArVy0000002Ld3KAE/cve202686218-preauthentication-remote-code-execution
• NVD detail
• CVE.org record
• CISA KEV catalog

Sources and dates

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, version 2026.10.30; retrieved 2026-11-01. CISA KEV data: CC0 1.0. No endorsement by CISA.

NVD retrieved: 2026-11-01. This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.

EPSS scores by FIRST; score date 2026-10-31.