CVE-2022-26318
WatchGuard Firebox and XTM Appliances Arbitrary Code Execution
Description
CVE-2022-26318 is an arbitrary code execution vulnerability in WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances that allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute code on the system via a specially crafted request. The vulnerability affects the management interface of WatchGuard firewall appliances, potentially enabling complete takeover of network security infrastructure. With an EPSS score of 6.7% (94.4th percentile), this vulnerability has been actively targeted. CISA has added CVE-2022-26318 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| watchguard | fireware | >= 12.0.0, < 12.1.3; >= 12.5, < 12.5.9; >= 12.7.0, < 12.7.2; 12.1.3; 12.5.9; 12.7.2 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
Weakness Type
CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
CVE-2022-26318 allows arbitrary code execution on WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances through a crafted request to the management interface. The appliance fails to properly sanitize and validate incoming requests, enabling an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system.
Learn more: CWE-94 — Improper Control of Generation of Code
Impact Analysis
CVE-2022-26318 represents a critical threat to network security infrastructure. The vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote code execution on firewall appliances, which are the primary perimeter defense for many organizations. Compromising a firewall gives an attacker visibility into all network traffic, the ability to modify security policies, and a pivotal position for lateral movement into the internal network. The EPSS score of 6.7% (94.4th percentile) indicates significant exploitation activity targeting these network security appliances. CISA's inclusion in the KEV catalog confirms that threat actors have actively exploited this vulnerability in real-world attacks.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2022-26318 has been actively exploited in the wild against WatchGuard firewall appliances. CISA confirmed exploitation by adding it to the KEV catalog in March 2022. The vulnerability was disclosed alongside other critical WatchGuard vulnerabilities, with threat actors targeting internet-facing management interfaces. The EPSS score of 6.7% (94.4th percentile) reflects ongoing exploitation activity against exposed appliances.
Remediation
- Update WatchGuard Firebox and XTM firmware to the latest version that addresses CVE-2022-26318 as recommended by WatchGuard's security advisory.
- Restrict management interface access to trusted networks only. Never expose the WatchGuard management interface directly to the internet. Use VPN or dedicated management networks for administration.
- Review and audit firewall configurations for signs of compromise, including unauthorized policy changes, unexpected user accounts, and modified access rules.
- Enable logging and monitoring for all management interface access attempts and integrate firewall logs with your SIEM solution to detect anomalous activity.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius if a firewall appliance is compromised, ensuring that management interfaces are isolated from general network traffic.
Technical Details
CVE-2022-26318 is a code execution vulnerability (CWE-94) in WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances that can be triggered through specially crafted requests to the device's management interface. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system of the firewall appliance. The flaw exists in the request processing logic of the management service, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to inject and execute commands. As firewall appliances typically run with elevated system privileges, successful exploitation grants the attacker high-privilege access to the network security appliance, including the ability to intercept traffic, modify firewall rules, and pivot into the protected network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2022-26318 being actively exploited?
Yes, CISA confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2022-26318 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog in March 2022. The EPSS score of 6.7% reflects significant targeting of exposed WatchGuard appliances.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-26318?
WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances are affected. The vulnerability targets the management interface of these network security appliances.
How do I fix CVE-2022-26318?
Update the firmware on all WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances to the latest patched version. Immediately restrict management interface access to trusted networks only and audit configurations for signs of compromise.
How severe is CVE-2022-26318?
CVE-2022-26318 enables unauthenticated remote code execution on firewall appliances, which are critical network security infrastructure. Compromising a firewall gives attackers visibility into network traffic, the ability to modify security policies, and a pivot point for further attacks.
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