Physical code execution via unauthenticated UART bootloader
Published May 13, 2026 · Updated May 13, 2026
Incorrect default permissions in Hiseeu C90 5.7.15 allow physically proximate attackers to execute code through the UART bootloader. Disconnecting the battery and applying external power activates a hidden debug mode whose UART console permits unrestricted memory access, firmware upload, and code execution without authentication. Exploitation requires opening the enclosure and attaching a 115200-baud UART adapter; successful access permits credential extraction, persistent firmware modification, or full device takeover.
Summary
What happened
Incorrect default permissions in Hiseeu C90 5.7.15 allow physically proximate attackers to execute code through the UART bootloader. Disconnecting the battery and applying external power activates a hidden debug mode whose UART console permits unrestricted memory access, firmware upload, and code execution without authentication. Exploitation requires opening the enclosure and attaching a 115200-baud UART adapter; successful access permits credential extraction, persistent firmware modification, or full device takeover.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-36742
- Published
- May 13, 2026
- Updated
- May 13, 2026
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-276, T1200, T1542.001
- Attack vector
- physical
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- May 13, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- May 13, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- UART bootloader command proof of conceptfunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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