GNU InetUtils Security Update – 18 March 2026

GNU InetUtils has addressed a critical vulnerability affecting all versions of the Telnet service implementation through 2.7.

The addressed vulnerability could allow the remote attackers to perform out-ofbounds writes on systems running vulnerable versions of GNU inetutils telnetd, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, full system compromise, or denial of service.

GNU Inetutils Remote Pre-Auth Buffer Overflow telnetd Vulnerability (CVE-2026- 32746):

  • CVSS: 9.8
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Attack Complexity: Low
  • Privileges Required: None
  • User Interaction: None
  • Consequences: Gain Access

It should be highlighted that security researchers disclosed a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit that exists in the wild for the vulnerability “CVE-2026-32746”.

Vulnerabilities

CVE-2026-32746

Mitigations

The enterprise should deploy this patch as soon as the testing phase is completed, which is expected to be available no later than April 1, 2026.

Openwall Security Update

References