How severe is CVE-2018-16994?

CVE-2018-16994 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-16994 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-16994?

CVE-2018-16994 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Axl F Bk Pn Firmware. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16994?

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-2018-16994 published?

CVE-2018-16994 was published on 2020-02-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-16994

CVE-2018-16994 is a high-severity vulnerability in Phoenixcontact Axl F Bk Pn Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 7.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (72nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Phoenixcontact Axl F Bk Pn Firmware
Published: 2020-02-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An issue was discovered on PHOENIX CONTACT AXL F BK PN <=1.0.4, AXL F BK ETH <= 1.12, and AXL F BK ETH XC <= 1.11 devices and Bosch Rexroth S20-ETH-BK and Rexroth S20-PN-BK+ (the S20-PN-BK+/S20-ETH-BK fieldbus couplers sold by Bosch Rexroth contain technology from Phoenix Contact). Incorrect handling of a request with non-standard symbols allows remote attackers to initiate a complete lock up of the bus coupler. Authentication of the request is not required.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-16994?: An issue was discovered on PHOENIX CONTACT AXL F BK PN <=1.0.4, AXL F BK ETH <= 1.12, and AXL F BK ETH XC <= 1.11 devices and Bosch Rexroth S20-ETH-BK and Rexroth S20-PN-BK+ (the S20-PN-BK+/S20-ETH-BK fieldbus couplers sold by Bosch Rexroth contain technology from Phoenix Contact). Incorrect handling of a request with non-standard symbols allows remote attackers to initiate a complete lock up of the bus coupler. Authentication of the request is not required.
How severe is CVE-2018-16994?: CVE-2018-16994 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-16994 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-16994?: CVE-2018-16994 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Axl F Bk Pn Firmware. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-16994?: 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-2018-16994 published?: CVE-2018-16994 was published on 2020-02-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:phoenixcontact:axl_f_bk_pn_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:phoenixcontact:axl_f_bk_eth_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:phoenixcontact:axl_f_bk_eth_xc_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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