CVE-2025-26512: Critical SnapCenter Security Risk

A serious security vulnerability has recently been identified in NetApp’s SnapCenter software, a widely used enterprise solution for managing data protection. This flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-26512, could allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized administrative access to systems. The flaw, which affects SnapCenter versions prior to 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1, has been rated as critical, with a CVSS score of 9.9 out of a maximum of 10. 

NetApp’s SnapCenter is a comprehensive data management tool designed for enterprise environments. It enables users to manage data protection across a range of applications, databases, virtual machines, and file systems. SnapCenter provides essential features such as backup, restore, and cloning of data resources, making it a vital component of many organizations’ IT infrastructures. 

The NetApp Vulnerability: CVE-2025-26512 

The vulnerability in SnapCenter stems from a privilege escalation issue that affects versions of SnapCenter before 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1. According to NetApp’s advisory, an authenticated SnapCenter Server user could potentially exploit this flaw to gain administrative privileges on a remote system where a SnapCenter plug-in has been installed. This could result in unauthorized control over systems.

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who already have authenticated access to the SnapCenter Server. By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers could escalate their privileges to gain full control over remote systems. This type of privilege escalation could lead to data breaches, unauthorized system access, and overall compromise of the organization’s IT environment.

Impact of the Vulnerability 

The successful exploitation of the vulnerability could have severe consequences for affected organizations. With unauthorized administrative access, attackers could: 

• Modify or delete sensitive data 
• Disrupt system operations by altering configurations 
• Potentially cause widespread damage to the organization’s IT infrastructure 

Vulnerability Scoring and Details 

The SnapCenter vulnerability has received a CVSS score of 9.9 (Critical), the second-highest possible rating for security flaws. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that it is remotely exploitable and can have a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. NetApp has issued an advisory identifying the impacted versions as those prior to 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1. Organizations using these versions are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation. 

As of now, NetApp has not detected any public exploitation of the SnapCenter vulnerability. However, given the critical nature of the flaw and the potential for widespread damage, it is highly recommended that organizations act quickly to protect their systems.

NetApp has made it clear in their advisory that they are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. The company has also emphasized that this advisory should be considered the definitive source for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the vulnerability in SnapCenter. 

Conclusion  

To mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability in SnapCenter, NetApp strongly advises users to upgrade to the patched versions, SnapCenter 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1. This critical flaw, which allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized access, highlights the importance of promptly addressing security vulnerabilities to protect sensitive data.  

Related