How severe is CVE-2018-16118?

CVE-2018-16118 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-16118 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-16118?

CVE-2018-16118 primarily affects Sophos Sfos. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16118?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2018-16118 published?

CVE-2018-16118 was published on 2019-06-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-16118

CVE-2018-16118 is a high-severity vulnerability in Sophos Sfos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Sophos Sfos
Published: 2019-06-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A shell escape vulnerability in /webconsole/APIController in the API Configuration component of Sophos XG firewall 17.0.8 MR-8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metachracters in the "X-Forwarded-for" HTTP header.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-16118?: A shell escape vulnerability in /webconsole/APIController in the API Configuration component of Sophos XG firewall 17.0.8 MR-8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metachracters in the "X-Forwarded-for" HTTP header.
How severe is CVE-2018-16118?: CVE-2018-16118 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-16118 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-16118?: CVE-2018-16118 primarily affects Sophos Sfos. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-16118?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-16118 published?: CVE-2018-16118 was published on 2019-06-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:16.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:17.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:17.0.8:mr8:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:17.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Sophos Sfos

CVE-2022-1040 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An authentication bypass vulnerability in the User Portal and Webadmin allows a remote attacker to execute code in…
CVE-2020-11503 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): A heap-based buffer overflow in the awarrensmtp component of Sophos XG Firewall v17.5 MR11 and older potentially allows…
CVE-2020-12271 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): A SQL injection issue was found in SFOS 17.0, 17.1, 17.5, and 18.0 before 2020-04-25 on Sophos XG Firewall devices, as…
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CVE-2017-18014 — Medium (CVSS 6.1): An NC-25986 issue was discovered in the Logging subsystem of Sophos XG Firewall with SFOS before 17.0.3 MR3. An…

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