---
title: "Critical Vulnerability in Hubitat Elevation Hubs Allows Unauthorized Device Control"
short_title: "Hubitat Elevation Hubs flaw lets attackers bypass authorization"
description: "A critical authorization bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-1201) in Hubitat Elevation Hubs could let attackers control devices outside their scope. Update to firmware 2.4.2.157 now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [hubitat, cve-2026-1201, iot, authorization-bypass, critical]
score: 0.85
cve_ids: [CVE-2026-1201]
---
TL;DR
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-1201) in Hubitat Elevation Hubs allows authenticated attackers to bypass authorization and control devices outside their authorized scope. The flaw affects multiple hub models and has a CVSS score of 9.1, classifying it as critical. Users are urged to update to firmware version 2.4.2.157 immediately to mitigate risks.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Smart home automation systems are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks due to their widespread adoption and integration into critical infrastructure. Hubitat Elevation Hubs, a popular choice for home automation, has been found to contain a severe authorization bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-1201). If exploited, this flaw could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over connected devices, posing significant risks to users' privacy and security.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability: CVE-2026-1201, an Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key flaw, affects multiple Hubitat Elevation Hub models.
- Severity: The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.1, categorizing it as critical.
- Impact: Successful exploitation could allow authenticated attackers to control devices outside their authorized scope.
- Affected Models: Elevation C3, C4, C5, C7, C8, and C8 Pro hubs running firmware versions prior to 2.4.2.157.
- Mitigation: Hubitat has released firmware version 2.4.2.157 to address the issue. Users must update immediately.
---
Technical Details
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-1201) is classified as an Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key (CWE-639). It allows a remote authenticated user to manipulate client-side requests and gain control over devices that should be outside their authorized scope. This flaw stems from improper validation of user-controlled keys, enabling attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
#### CVSS Metrics
- CVSS Version: 3.1
- Base Score: 9.1 (Critical)
- Vector String: [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H](https://www.first.org/cvss/calculator/3.1#CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H)
- Impact: High confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
---
Affected Systems
The following Hubitat Elevation Hub models are affected by CVE-2026-1201:
- Elevation C3 (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
- Elevation C4 (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
- Elevation C5 (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
- Elevation C7 (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
- Elevation C8 (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
- Elevation C8 Pro (firmware prior to 2.4.2.157)
---
Impact Assessment
The exploitation of CVE-2026-1201 could have severe consequences for users and organizations relying on Hubitat Elevation Hubs for home or industrial automation. Potential impacts include:
- Unauthorized Device Control: Attackers could manipulate smart devices such as locks, cameras, or thermostats, leading to privacy violations or physical security risks.
- Critical Infrastructure Risks: The vulnerability affects sectors like energy and communications, where unauthorized access could disrupt operations.
- Data Breaches: Sensitive data collected by smart devices could be exposed or manipulated.
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Mitigation Steps
Hubitat has released firmware version 2.4.2.157 to patch this vulnerability. Users are strongly advised to:
1. Update Immediately: Apply the latest firmware update to all affected Hubitat Elevation Hubs.
2. Minimize Network Exposure: Ensure control system devices are not accessible from the internet.
3. Isolate Networks: Locate control system networks behind firewalls and separate them from business networks.
4. Use Secure Remote Access: If remote access is required, use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and keep them updated.
5. Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Follow established procedures to report and investigate any signs of malicious activity.
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Recommended Practices
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following best practices to enhance the security of control systems:
- Defense-in-Depth Strategies: Implement layered security measures to protect against cyber threats. More details can be found in CISA’s [Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies](https://www.cisa.gov/ics).
- Regular Risk Assessments: Conduct impact analysis and risk assessments before deploying defensive measures.
- Social Engineering Awareness: Educate users on recognizing and avoiding phishing and social engineering attacks. Refer to CISA’s guides on [Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams](https://www.cisa.gov/) and [Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks](https://www.cisa.gov/).
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Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2026-1201 in Hubitat Elevation Hubs highlights the growing risks associated with smart home and industrial automation systems. With a CVSS score of 9.1, this vulnerability poses a critical threat to users' privacy, security, and operational integrity. Immediate action is required—users must update their devices to firmware version 2.4.2.157 and follow recommended security practices to mitigate risks.
As IoT devices become more integrated into daily life, vendors and users must prioritize cybersecurity to prevent exploitation and safeguard critical infrastructure.
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References
[^1]: CISA. "[ICSA-26-022-06 Hubitat Elevation Hubs](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-022-06)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: NIST. "[CVE-2026-1201 Detail](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-1201)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: MITRE. "[CWE-639: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/639.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.