CVE-2018-4021

Name: CVE-2018-4021
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-12-03T22:29:00.933+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.2/10EPSS 72.21%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-4021 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.2/10 on the CVSS scale. An exploitable command injection vulnerability exists in the way Netgate pfSense CE 2.4.4-RELEASE processes the parameters of a specific POST request. The attacker can exploit this and gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the system. EPSS estimates a 72.21% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An exploitable command injection vulnerability exists in the way Netgate pfSense CE 2.4.4-RELEASE processes the parameters of a specific POST request. The attacker can exploit this and gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the system. An attacker needs to be able to send authenticated POST requests to the administration web interface. Command injection is possible in the `powerd_battery_mode` POST parameter.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.2/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

72.21%

99.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Netgate	Pfsense	2.4.4

References

https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0690Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0690Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 3, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-4021?

How severe is CVE-2018-4021?

CVE-2018-4021 has a CVSS score of 7.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 72.21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-4021?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-4021?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST