How severe is CVE-2018-20799?

CVE-2018-20799 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-2018-20799 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-20799?

CVE-2018-20799 affects Netgate Pfsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-20799?

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-2018-20799 published?

CVE-2018-20799 was published on 2019-03-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-20799

CVE-2018-20799 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.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (73rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Netgate Pfsense
Published: 2019-03-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In pfSense 2.4.4_1, blocking of source IP addresses on the basis of failed HTTPS authentication is inconsistent with blocking of source IP addresses on the basis of failed SSH authentication (the behavior does not match the sshguard documentation), which might make it easier for attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-20799?: In pfSense 2.4.4_1, blocking of source IP addresses on the basis of failed HTTPS authentication is inconsistent with blocking of source IP addresses on the basis of failed SSH authentication (the behavior does not match the sshguard documentation), which might make it easier for attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
How severe is CVE-2018-20799?: CVE-2018-20799 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-2018-20799 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-20799?: CVE-2018-20799 affects Netgate Pfsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-20799?: 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-2018-20799 published?: CVE-2018-20799 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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