CVE-2022-23176
CVE-2022-23176 is a high-severity vulnerability in Watchguard Fireware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2022-04-11).
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- CVSS v2: 9.0
- EPSS exploit prediction: 13% (96th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Yes — listed in CISA KEV (added 2022-04-11)
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2022-28267
- EU exploitation: Flagged exploited in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (since 2022-04-11)
- Affected product: Watchguard Fireware
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via exposed management access. This vulnerability impacts Fireware OS before 12.7.2_U1, 12.x before 12.1.3_U3, and 12.2.x through 12.5.x before 12.5.7_U3.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2022-23176?
- WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via exposed management access. This vulnerability impacts Fireware OS before 12.7.2_U1, 12.x before 12.1.3_U3, and 12.2.x through 12.5.x before 12.5.7_U3.
- How severe is CVE-2022-23176?
- CVE-2022-23176 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2022-23176 being actively exploited?
- Yes. CVE-2022-23176 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2022-04-11, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
- What products are affected by CVE-2022-23176?
- CVE-2022-23176 primarily affects Watchguard Fireware. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2022-23176?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
- Does CVE-2022-23176 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2022-23176 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2022-28267. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2022-04-11).
- When was CVE-2022-23176 published?
- CVE-2022-23176 was published on 2022-02-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/04/watchguard-failed-to-disclose-critical-flaw-exploited-by-russian-hackers/
- https://securityportal.watchguard.com
- https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_1_3_U7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
- https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
- https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7_2/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-23176
Affected products (8)
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.1.3:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.1.3:u1:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.1.3:u2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.5.7:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.5.7:u1:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.5.7:u2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:12.7.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
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