---
title: "Critical KiloView Encoder Flaw Lets Attackers Hijack Admin Accounts"
short_title: "KiloView Encoder critical auth flaw exposed"
description: "A severe vulnerability in KiloView Encoder Series (CVE-2026-1453) allows unauthenticated attackers to create or delete admin accounts. Learn mitigation steps now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2024-10-02
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [kiloview, cve-2026-1453, critical-vulnerability, ics-security, authentication-flaw]
score: 0.92
cve_ids: [CVE-2026-1453]
---
TL;DR
A critical missing authentication flaw (CVE-2026-1453) in the KiloView Encoder Series enables unauthenticated attackers to create or delete administrator accounts, granting full control over affected devices. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to global communications and IT infrastructure. KiloView has not yet provided a patch, so users must apply defensive measures immediately.
---
Main Content
Critical Vulnerability Exposes KiloView Encoder Series to Unauthorized Admin Access
A severe security flaw in the KiloView Encoder Series has been disclosed, allowing unauthenticated attackers to hijack administrative accounts and gain full control over affected devices. Tracked as CVE-2026-1453, this vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical. The flaw stems from a missing authentication mechanism for critical functions, enabling attackers to create or delete admin accounts without any prior authentication.
The vulnerability affects multiple KiloView Encoder Series models and firmware versions, deployed worldwide across communications and IT sectors. Despite repeated attempts by CISA to collaborate with KiloView on mitigation, the vendor has not responded, leaving users exposed to potential exploitation.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability: Missing authentication for critical functions (CWE-306).
- Impact: Unauthenticated attackers can create or delete administrator accounts, gaining full administrative control.
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical).
- Affected Systems: Multiple KiloView Encoder Series models and firmware versions (see Technical Details).
- Mitigation: KiloView has not provided a patch; users must apply defensive measures to reduce risk.
- Global Reach: Deployed in critical infrastructure sectors, including communications and IT, worldwide.
---
Technical Details
#### Affected Products
The following KiloView Encoder Series models and firmware versions are vulnerable to CVE-2026-1453:
| Model | Hardware Version | Firmware Versions |
|-------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Encoder Series E1 | 1.4 | 4.7.2516 |
| Encoder Series E1 | 1.6.20 | 4.7.2511, 4.8.2523, 4.8.2611, 4.6.2400, 4.7.2512, 4.8.2561, 4.8.2554, 4.3.2029, 4.8.2555, 4.6.2408 |
| Encoder Series E1-s | 1.4 | 4.7.2516, 4.8.2519, 4.8.2525, 4.8.2611, 4.8.2561, 4.8.2554, 4.8.2523 |
| Encoder Series E2 | 1.7.20 | 4.8.2611, 4.8.2561 |
| Encoder Series E2 | 1.8.20 | 4.8.2523, 4.8.2611, 4.8.2554 |
| Encoder Series G1 | 1.6.20 | 4.8.2561 |
| Encoder Series P1 | 1.3.20 | 4.8.2633, 4.8.2608 |
| Encoder Series P2 | 1.8.20 | 4.8.2633 |
| Encoder Series RE1 | 2.0.00 | 4.7.2513 |
| Encoder Series RE1 | 3.0.00 | 4.8.2519, 4.8.2561, 4.8.2611, 4.8.2525 |
#### Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2026-1453
- CVSS Vector: [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H](https://www.first.org/cvss/calculator/3.1#CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)
- Weakness: CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function)
- Exploitation: Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without authentication, allowing them to create or delete administrator accounts and gain full control over the device.
#### Background
- Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Communications, Information Technology.
- Deployment: Worldwide.
- Vendor Headquarters: China.
---
Impact Assessment
#### Potential Consequences
The CVE-2026-1453 vulnerability poses a severe risk to organizations using affected KiloView Encoder Series devices. Successful exploitation could lead to:
- Unauthorized administrative access, enabling attackers to manipulate device settings.
- Disruption of critical services, particularly in communications and IT sectors.
- Lateral movement within networks, potentially compromising additional systems.
- Data breaches or espionage, as attackers gain control over sensitive infrastructure.
Given the global deployment of these devices, the vulnerability could have far-reaching implications for organizations that fail to apply mitigations.
---
Mitigation Steps
As KiloView has not responded to requests for collaboration on a patch, CISA recommends the following defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation:
1. Minimize Network Exposure:
- Ensure control system devices and/or systems are not accessible from the Internet.
- Isolate affected devices from business networks and the public Internet.
2. Use Firewalls:
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls.
- Configure firewalls to block unauthorized access to affected devices.
3. Secure Remote Access:
- When remote access is required, use secure methods such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
- Ensure VPNs are updated to the latest version and configured securely.
4. Perform Risk Assessments:
- Conduct a thorough impact analysis and risk assessment before deploying defensive measures.
- Prioritize patching and mitigation efforts based on risk levels.
5. Monitor for Malicious Activity:
- Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activity.
- Follow established internal procedures to report and respond to potential threats.
6. Educate Employees:
- Train staff to recognize and avoid phishing and social engineering attacks.
- Refer to [Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Recognizing_and_Avoiding_Email_Scams_0.pdf) and [Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Avoiding_Social_Engineering_and_Phishing_Attacks_0.pdf) for guidance.
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Conclusion
The CVE-2026-1453 vulnerability in the KiloView Encoder Series represents a critical threat to organizations relying on these devices for communications and IT infrastructure. With a CVSS score of 9.8, the flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to hijack administrative accounts, potentially leading to severe disruptions, data breaches, or espionage.
As KiloView has not provided a patch, users must act immediately to implement defensive measures, such as network isolation, firewall protection, and secure remote access. Organizations should also monitor for malicious activity and educate employees on cybersecurity best practices.
CISA continues to urge affected users to contact KiloView customer support for further guidance and to stay vigilant against potential exploitation.
---
References
[^1]: CISA. "[ICSA-26-029-01 KiloView Encoder Series](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-029-01)". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^2]: NIST. "[CVE-2026-1453 Detail](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-1453)". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^3]: MITRE. "[CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/306.html)". Retrieved 2024-10-02.