CVE-2022-23176KEV · OVERDUE

WatchGuard Firebox and XTM Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

High · published February 24, 2022

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 95.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1636
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
11%
Percentile
95.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A remote attacker with just unprivileged credentials can hijack the entire management session on WatchGuard Firebox appliances! This vulnerability is like leaving the front door wide open while you’re out! 🔥 Imagine a hotel where guests can just stroll into the manager's office without any keycard – that’s what’s happening here! This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls, much like slipping past a poorly monitored reception desk. If exploited, an attacker could gain privileged access, allowing them to modify system settings, potentially leading to data leaks, service disruptions, or even full control over the system. It's a serious breach that could have devastating consequences for your network security!

Put simply

Imagine a hotel where guests can just stroll into the manager's office without any keycard – that’s what’s happening here! This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls, much like slipping past a poorly monitored reception desk. This vulnerability allows remote attackers with unprivileged credentials to access privileged management sessions on affected Firebox and XTM appliances, due to improperly secured management access. This affects Fireware OS versions prior to 12.7.2_U1, 12.x before 12.1.3_U3, and 12.2.x through 12.5.x before 12.5.7_U3.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could gain privileged access, allowing them to modify system settings, potentially leading to data leaks, service disruptions, or even full control over the system. It's a serious breach that could have devastating consequences for your network security! To secure your system, immediately patch to the latest Fireware OS version, specifically 12.7.2_U1 or later. Additionally, review and tighten management access controls and ensure that unprivileged users do not have unnecessary access. You've got this! By taking these steps, you’ll safeguard your system and restore your hero status! 🦸‍♂️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.10805 · 95.8th percentile
Published
2022-02-24T00:52Z
KEV added
2022-04-11 · due 2022-05-02
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 APR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 2
    kev
  • 24 FEB 00:52Z
    WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via…
    cvelistv5