How severe is CVE-2022-45440?

CVE-2022-45440 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.4, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2022-45440 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2022-45440?

CVE-2022-45440 affects Zyxel Ax7501-b0 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2022-45440?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2022-45440 published?

CVE-2022-45440 was published on 2023-01-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2022-45440

CVE-2022-45440 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Zyxel Ax7501-b0 Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.4. 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-59.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.4)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (16th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Zyxel Ax7501-b0 Firmware
Published: 2023-01-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A vulnerability exists in the FTP server of the Zyxel AX7501-B0 firmware prior to V5.17(ABPC.3)C0, which processes symbolic links on external storage media. A local authenticated attacker with administrator privileges could abuse this vulnerability to access the root file system by creating a symbolic link on external storage media, such as a USB flash drive, and then logging into the FTP server on a vulnerable device.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-45440?: A vulnerability exists in the FTP server of the Zyxel AX7501-B0 firmware prior to V5.17(ABPC.3)C0, which processes symbolic links on external storage media. A local authenticated attacker with administrator privileges could abuse this vulnerability to access the root file system by creating a symbolic link on external storage media, such as a USB flash drive, and then logging into the FTP server on a vulnerable device.
How severe is CVE-2022-45440?: CVE-2022-45440 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.4, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2022-45440 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-45440?: CVE-2022-45440 affects Zyxel Ax7501-b0 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-45440?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2022-45440 published?: CVE-2022-45440 was published on 2023-01-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/security-advisories/zyxel-security-advisory-for-cleartext-storage-of-wifi-credentials-and-improper-symbolic-links-of-ftp-for-ax7501-b0-cpe

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:zyxel:ax7501-b0_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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