Root access via unsigned igel.conf fail-open
Published Aug 28, 2026 · Updated Aug 28, 2026
Secure boot bypass in IGEL OS 12.0.0 through 12.8.2 and IGEL OS 11 before 11.11.150 allows physically proximate attackers to gain root access. GRUB treats signature-verification failure for an unsigned empty igel.conf file as a reason to open an interactive prompt instead of halting securely. Physical access and the ability to place the file on a partition allow the device kernel to start with attacker-supplied arguments, an unlocked disk, and a root shell while measured TPM PCR values remain unchanged.
Summary
What happened
Secure boot bypass in IGEL OS 12.0.0 through 12.8.2 and IGEL OS 11 before 11.11.150 allows physically proximate attackers to gain root access. GRUB treats signature-verification failure for an unsigned empty igel.conf file as a reason to open an interactive prompt instead of halting securely. Physical access and the ability to place the file on a partition allow the device kernel to start with attacker-supplied arguments, an unlocked disk, and a root shell while measured TPM PCR values remain unchanged.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-82018
- Published
- Aug 28, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 28, 2026
- Vendor
- IGEL Technology GmbH
- Product
- IGEL OS
- Classifications
- CWE-636, T1542
- Attack vector
- physical
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 28, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 28, 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?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=11.0.0 <11.11.150
- Affected versionversion=12.0.0 <=12.8.2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
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.
Public exploit references
- Unsigned igel.conf GRUB bypass procedurefunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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