CVE-2022-23176

Name: CVE-2022-23176
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-02-24T15:15:28.447+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 12.25%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2022-23176 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 12.25% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

12.25%

95.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 2, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Watchguard	Fireware	>= 12.0.0, < 12.1.3
Watchguard	Fireware	>= 12.2.0, < 12.5.7
Watchguard	Fireware	12.1.3
Watchguard	Fireware	12.5.7
Watchguard	Fireware	12.7.2

References

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/04/watchguard-failed-to-disclose-critical-flaw-exploited-by-russian-hackers/Third Party Advisory
https://securityportal.watchguard.comVendor Advisory
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.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7_2/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/04/watchguard-failed-to-disclose-critical-flaw-exploited-by-russian-hackers/Third Party Advisory
https://securityportal.watchguard.comVendor Advisory
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.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7_2/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-23176US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 24, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-23176?

How severe is CVE-2022-23176?

CVE-2022-23176 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 12.25% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2022-23176?

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-2022-23176?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST