Check Point Research has disclosed two high-risk vulnerabilities in LiteLLM, the open-source gateway that sits between enterprise applications and AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google. The flaws could allow a user with minimal privileges to take full control of the gateway, read sensitive files, execute arbitrary code and harvest the API keys an organisation uses to access its AI providers.

LiteLLM is downloaded around 97 million times a month and has more than 59,000 stars on GitHub. Both issues, tracked as CVE-2026-35029 and CVE-2026-59823, are fixed in version 1.83.9.

One endpoint, three attack paths

The more serious flaw, CVE-2026-35029, is a missing authorisation check on LiteLLM’s /config/update endpoint, which controls the proxy’s runtime configuration. Unlike other administrative endpoints, it did not verify that the caller held the PROXY_ADMIN role.

Compounding this, any user who logs in through the LiteLLM dashboard is issued a session token tied to a special “litellm-dashboard” team, and those tokens are checked against a looser list of permitted UI routes. That list includes “/config”. Because the check uses simple prefix matching, requests to /config/update were allowed for any logged-in user, whatever their role.

Testing against LiteLLM version 1.77.7, the researchers showed the flaw could be used to:

• Read arbitrary files, by injecting an environment variable that sets the path of the dashboard logo and pointing it at sensitive files such as /etc/passwd
• Take over the built-in admin account, by overwriting the UI_USERNAME and UI_PASSWORD variables and logging in with attacker-chosen credentials
• Execute remote code, by registering a “pass-through endpoint” that loads a Python module from an attacker-controlled S3 or GCS bucket, which LiteLLM then downloads and runs

Stealing keys without touching the provider

The second flaw, CVE-2026-59823, is a server-side request forgery (SSRF) issue in LiteLLM’s “Clientside LLM Credentials” feature. By passing a user_config parameter to the /chat/completions endpoint, an authenticated user could create a router pointing at their own server. Requests, along with the provider API keys attached to them, would then be sent to the attacker rather than to the AI provider.

Check Point notes that this code path sidestepped restrictions LiteLLM already placed on client-supplied api_base and api_key parameters.

The researchers also found that password hashes were exposed to low-privileged users and were stored without salting, using a single hash iteration. These issues duplicated an existing advisory, GHSA-69×8-hrgq-fjj8.

Old bugs, bigger blast radius

Check Point is clear that none of these are new classes of “AI” vulnerability. Missing authorisation checks, SSRF and unsafe dynamic module loading are all well understood. What raises the stakes is where they sit. An LLM gateway stores provider keys, manages user permissions and routes every prompt and response, making it a single point of compromise for an organisation’s AI estate. And because LiteLLM is embedded in many other AI platforms and internal tools, some organisations may be running it without realising.

“The industry’s focus has largely been on securing AI models, but this research highlights an equally important reality: AI infrastructure is becoming a new critical layer of enterprise security,” said Mateo Rojas-Carulla, Head of Research, AI Agent Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “As organisations increasingly rely on gateways such as LiteLLM to connect applications, users and AI services, these platforms become attractive targets because they sit at the centre of trust.”

“For LiteLLM users, the immediate priority is patching and reviewing access controls, but the broader lesson extends beyond a single product,” he added. “Attackers will naturally target the layer that gives them the greatest access with the least resistance.”

What defenders should do

Check Point recommends that organisations:

• Upgrade to LiteLLM 1.83.9 or later across every deployment, including instances embedded in other tools
• Audit gateway user accounts and remove any that are not needed
• Rotate AI provider API keys if there is any sign of unauthorised access before patching
• Test that limited roles are enforced in practice, not just on paper
• Bring LLM gateways into scope for regular security assessments

The vulnerabilities were reported to LiteLLM’s maintainers through a coordinated disclosure process that began in October 2025.

Full technical write-up: https://research.checkpoint.com/2026/when-llm-gateways-go-wrong-findings-from-litellm/

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A coordinated attack on the operational technology (OT) behind supermarket refrigeration has hit hundreds of stores across France, in what security experts are calling one of the clearest examples yet of cyber sabotage with physical consequences.

Retailers confirmed the attack on Monday 12 October, with disruption reportedly beginning on Sunday night. Intermarché and its Netto brand said at least 300 shops were affected, Coopérative U more than 100 and Carrefour 80, with Monoprix, E.Leclerc and Auchan also reporting impacted stores. According to BFM TV, attackers remotely forced refrigeration units into continuous defrost cycles, driving temperatures up to 50°C. Paris prosecutors said the attack also caused fires.

“This incident is not surprising. A supermarket refrigerator is no longer just an electrical appliance. It is a computerized system connected to a network, enabling remote monitoring and control. While this connectivity allows refrigeration systems to be managed efficiently, it also exposes them to cyber security risks, particularly when operational equipment runs for years on outdated software, without regular security updates, and with management interfaces accessible from the internet,” said Oded Vanunu, Head of Vulnerability Research at Check Point.

Unpatched, internet-facing and end of life

The affected equipment has been traced to refrigeration management systems from Danish manufacturer Danfoss. A source close to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) had identified a vulnerability in Danfoss software, and the agency has been ordered to investigate.

Danfoss said most of the compromised units were “legacy” products that no longer receive software or security updates, singling out its AK-SM800 and AK-SC355 controllers, and noted that an affected version of the AK-SM800 was running outdated firmware. The company said it had long advised customers to upgrade or replace these models.

Known vulnerabilities in the control software date back to 2023, some rated critical, with patches available. In August, OT security firm Claroty published research describing flaws in Danfoss systems that could allow attackers to bypass authentication. Reports suggest attackers may have used the Shodan search engine to locate exposed devices, some of which are connected via 3G cards for remote monitoring.

“One of the significant aspects of this incident is that the attackers did not necessarily need sophisticated cyber capabilities. Refrigeration systems have legitimate operational functions, such as defrost cycles, and when an unauthorized party gains access to the system, those same functions can be exploited to disrupt operations. Unlike attacks aimed at stealing data or encrypting files, the impact here is on the physical operation of the equipment itself, with direct consequences such as food inventory losses and potential safety hazards.” Vanunu continued.

“In previous research conducted by Check Point on smart devices, including LG products, we demonstrated how a vulnerability in a centralised management platform could allow attackers to gain control of connected devices. However, in the current incident, it is still unclear exactly how the attackers gained access to the systems.”

OT in the crosshairs

No group has claimed responsibility, and there is no evidence of a ransom demand or data theft. The Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit has opened an investigation into what it described as a “large-scale” attack on connected refrigerators at several major food retailers, while ANSSI is coordinating with European counterparts. Sekoia analyst Felix Aime said stores in Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Belgium were also affected.

“The refrigeration systems in supermarkets are operational technology. Building management controls, HVAC, cold chain infrastructure. These are the same category of systems that the security industry has been warning about as the next frontier for sabotage attacks, and they’ve now been weaponised against food retail infrastructure in one of Europe’s largest economies,” said Muhammad Yahya Patel, vCISO and cybersecurity advisor for EMEA at Huntress.

ANSSI had already listed sabotage of industrial control systems among the main threats facing France in its most recent threat report.

“Heating fridges to 50 degrees for six hours is not data theft; it is physical sabotage executed through software, and that is the lesson for every sector. Refrigeration controllers, building systems and point-of-sale equipment are now connected and remotely managed, often through a handful of suppliers, so one weak link scales to hundreds of stores overnight,” said Samuel Hassine, CEO and co-founder of Filigran.

“The problem extends beyond a single refrigeration system or an isolated security vulnerability. Operational equipment is often designed to remain in service for 15 years or more, while cyber threats and technologies evolve at a much faster pace. In addition, the same controllers and management systems are deployed across retail chains worldwide, meaning that a compromise affecting widely used technology could potentially impact a large number of locations,” added Check Point’s Vanunu.

Counting the cost

Intermarché chief executive Thierry Cotillard told BFM TV that losses could run to “tens of millions of euros nationwide in a single day”, while Coopérative U’s Dominique Schelcher said larger stores could each lose up to €180,000–200,000 in stock. France’s retail federation, the FCD, has called on Danfoss to provide “full transparency”.

“The immediate financial consequences are significant and visible. Failures at the stores means total write-off of perishable stock across every affected location simultaneously. The operational disruption compounds quickly. Staff cannot trade normally without functioning refrigeration. Products cannot be restocked until systems are restored and verified safe. The food retail sector across Europe should be treating this as a signal that they are being actively targeted,” Huntress’ Patel warned.

“The cyberattack on French supermarkets is a stark reminder that cyber threats extend far beyond stolen data and financial losses. Hackers reportedly manipulated refrigeration systems, raising temperatures to 50°C, causing fires and forcing retailers to dispose of large quantities of food. With hundreds of stores affected, the incident highlights how vulnerabilities in connected systems can have serious real-world consequences, disrupting operations, damaging equipment and potentially putting public safety at risk,” said Jamie Akhtar, CEO and Co-founder of CyberSmart.

Mitigation: find the exposure first

Experts agree that defenders’ first priority should be identifying which OT assets are reachable from the internet, and who holds remote access to them.

“To reduce these risks, the first step is to identify which controllers and management interfaces are directly exposed to the internet and eliminate any unnecessary exposure. It is also important to keep systems updated, replace default passwords, restrict remote access, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever supported. Separating operational control networks from other networks and monitoring unusual changes in system behaviour are also essential measures. These recommendations apply not only to refrigeration systems, but also to HVAC, building management systems, and other operational infrastructure.” said Vanunu.

“It also demonstrates how increasingly interconnected technology can create new opportunities for cybercriminals. For businesses, this reinforces the importance of securing all connected devices and systems, not just traditional IT infrastructure. Organisations should prioritise regular software and firmware updates, strong access controls, multi-factor authentication where supported and network segmentation to prevent attackers moving between systems. Regular security assessments and employee cybersecurity awareness training are also essential for identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Ultimately, businesses must recognise that cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data, but also about safeguarding physical operations, customers and business continuity.” said CyberSmart’s Akhtar.

Filigran’s Hassine urged security leaders to put the issue in front of the board: “Boards should ask three questions this week. Which connected equipment could cause physical or financial damage if someone changed a setting, and who can reach it from outside. Which third parties hold remote access, and how that access is monitored and segmented. And has anyone tested that the response works, from detection to switching to manual operation. Resilience in retail now means knowing your exposure before an attacker maps it for you.”

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By Louise John, Head of IT Service Delivery at Virgin Active

For IT managers, unexpected projects and changing business priorities are normal part of the job.

You might have spent months planning your team’s workload, but only to be told with little warning that a new software solution needs to be implemented within six weeks.

Whatever the circumstances, the responsibility for delivering these projects often falls on IT teams, even when they have had little involvement in the decisions behind them.

As a manager, this can be particularly challenging because you are expected to deliver results within tight deadlines, while also managing your team’s existing workload, keeping up staff morale while also protecting them from burnout.

So, how can you support your team when unexpected projects land on their desks?

Prioritise and manage expectations

The first thing I would recommend is establishing what actually needs to be delivered and by when.

If a new software implementation has been given a six-week deadline, what are the absolute essentials that need to be completed within that timeframe?

Rather than attempting to deliver everything at once, identify what is achievable and communicate this to senior leadership. Managing expectations upwards is just as important as managing the team responsible for delivery.

It’s also important to involve your team in these conversations. Be honest about what is expected, explain the priorities and ask what they realistically believe can be achieved.

Protect your team’s wellbeing

Unexpected projects inevitably create pressure, particularly when teams are already managing demanding workloads.

As a manager, you need to recognise this and consider what additional support might be required.

Could working hours be more flexible? Can existing projects be paused or reassigned? Do you need additional resources? If employees are required to work extra hours, can they take time back once the project is completed?

It’s also important to establish boundaries and make sure your team isn’t expected to deliver everything simultaneously.

When workloads become overwhelming, it helps to focus on one task at a time rather than worrying about the hundred things still to do.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of keeping morale high. Even during the busiest periods, celebrating small wins, recognising people’s efforts and maintaining a sense of humour can make a big difference.

Ultimately, IT managers cannot always control the projects or deadlines handed to them, but they can control how they support their teams through them.

Louise is speaking at DTX + UCX London 2026, taking place at ExCeL London on 14 and 15 October.

Join Louise on Wednesday 14 October, from 12:10pm to 12:50pm, on the Design & Delivery Stage, for a panel discussion titled Caught in the middle: Leading digital change when nobody prepared you for it.

She will be joined by Rebecca d’Orazi Flavoni, Digital Growth and Training Consultant at RDF Training & Consulting; Greg Ferrari, Executive Director of Performance and Transformation at AAT; and Roger Kirby, Senior Enterprise Architect at AstraZeneca.

Together, they will explore how managers can balance pressure from senior leadership, protect their teams from burnout and successfully deliver digital change, even when they haven’t been given the tools or context to do so.

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Ahead of their participation at DTX + UCX London 2026, Lee Robson, AWS Greenfield Practice Lead at Ingram Micro shares what the company will be showcasing at the event and explains what trends will impact the channel in the year ahead.

1. How is Ingram Micro participating in DTX + UCX 2026?

Ingram Micro will be showcasing how organisations can accelerate innovation with AWS. Our team will be demonstrating practical AI, cloud and security solutions, including AWS Quick, Claude via Amazon Bedrock, FinOps-led cloud optimisation and AWS security assessments. We’ll be connecting customers with specialist partners that can help turn strategy into measurable business outcomes. 

2. What are the key messages you will be promoting to delegates of the show?

Our message is simple: unlock the value of AI and cloud while maintaining control of cost, security and governance. We’ll be highlighting how AWS enables organisations to innovate faster, connect apps, data, and teams so answers turn into action instantly with AWS Quick, adopt generative AI through Claude via Bedrock, optimise cloud spend through FinOps, and strengthen their security posture.

3. What are the biggest challenges organisations face when purchasing technology through the channel?

Many organisations are overwhelmed by the pace of technology change, particularly around AI and cloud. Common challenges include understanding where to start, selecting the right solutions, managing cloud costs, ensuring security and compliance, and finding the skills required to implement and support new technologies successfully.

4. How can dedicated, experienced partners solve these challenges?

Experienced partners help customers move from technology discussions to business outcomes. With Ingram Micro, they remove the barrier to entry for a lot of businesses and provide strategic guidance, technical expertise and proven delivery frameworks that reduce risk and accelerate adoption. Partners can also help organisations optimise AWS investments, implement AI responsibly, improve security and create clear roadmaps for long-term success.

5. What trends do you believe will impact the channel in the year ahead?

Generative AI adoption will continue to accelerate, but organisations will increasingly focus on governance, security and achieving measurable ROI. We also expect greater emphasis on FinOps as cloud estates mature, alongside growing demand for cybersecurity services. Partners that combine AI expertise, cloud optimisation and security capabilities will be best positioned for growth.

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