CVE-2016-7089: WatchGuard RapidStream appliances allow local users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary commands via a cr

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HIGH 7.8MITIGATE

CVE-2016-7089 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting rapidstream. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

WatchGuard RapidStream appliances allow local users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary commands via a crafted ifconfig command, aka ESCALATEPLOWMAN.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 31%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-264
Published	2016-08-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: watchguard

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-08-24 19:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

watchguard rapidstream MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rapidstream || rpm -q rapidstream || rapidstream --version

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Watchguard Firewalls - 'ESCALATEPLOWMAN' ifconfig Privilege Escalation

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2016-7089?

rapidstream: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-7089 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7089 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2016-7089 affect?

CVE-2016-7089 affects rapidstream. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). WatchGuard RapidStream appliances allow local users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary commands via a crafted ifconfig command, aka ESCALATEPLOWMAN.

How urgent is CVE-2016-7089?

Priority 50/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-1520 HIGH 10.0 MITIGATE MITIGATE The CLI interface for WatchGuard Firebox Vclass 3.2 and earlier, and RSSA Appliance 3.0.2, does not properly c
CVE-2002-1519 HIGH 10.0 MITIGATE MITIGATE Format string vulnerability in the CLI interface for WatchGuard Firebox Vclass 3.2 and earlier, and RSSA Appli
CVE-2000-0784 HIGH 10.0 MITIGATE sshd program in the Rapidstream 2.1 Beta VPN appliance has a hard-coded "rsadmin" account with a null password

References

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