How severe is CVE-2018-20798?

CVE-2018-20798 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 high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2018-20798 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (70th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-20798?

CVE-2018-20798 affects Netgate Pfsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-20798?

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-2018-20798 published?

CVE-2018-20798 was published on 2019-03-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-20798

CVE-2018-20798 is a high-severity vulnerability in Netgate Pfsense 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-732.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (70th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Netgate Pfsense
Published: 2019-03-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The expiretable configuration in pfSense 2.4.4_1 establishes block durations that are incompatible with the block durations implemented by sshguard, which might make it easier for attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-20798?: The expiretable configuration in pfSense 2.4.4_1 establishes block durations that are incompatible with the block durations implemented by sshguard, which might make it easier for attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
How severe is CVE-2018-20798?: CVE-2018-20798 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 high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2018-20798 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (70th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-20798?: CVE-2018-20798 affects Netgate Pfsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-20798?: 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-2018-20798 published?: CVE-2018-20798 was published on 2019-03-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://redmine.pfsense.org/issues/9223

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:netgate:pfsense:2.4.4:p1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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