How severe is CVE-2023-38997?

CVE-2023-38997 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-38997 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-38997?

CVE-2023-38997 affects Opnsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-38997?

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-2023-38997 published?

CVE-2023-38997 was published on 2023-08-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-38997

CVE-2023-38997 is a high-severity vulnerability in Opnsense with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2. 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-22.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (63rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Opnsense
Published: 2023-08-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A directory traversal vulnerability in the Captive Portal templates of OPNsense Community Edition before 23.7 and Business Edition before 23.4.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as root via a crafted ZIP archive.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-38997?: A directory traversal vulnerability in the Captive Portal templates of OPNsense Community Edition before 23.7 and Business Edition before 23.4.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as root via a crafted ZIP archive.
How severe is CVE-2023-38997?: CVE-2023-38997 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-38997 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (63rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-38997?: CVE-2023-38997 affects Opnsense. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-38997?: 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-2023-38997 published?: CVE-2023-38997 was published on 2023-08-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:opnsense:opnsense:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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