CVE-2025-69691: Netgate pfSense CE 2.8.0 allows code execution in the XMLRPC API via pfsense.exec_php

This month

CRITICAL 9.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2025-69691 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.9) affecting pfsense. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Netgate pfSense CE 2.8.0 allows code execution in the XMLRPC API via pfsense.exec_php. NOTE: the Supplier disputes this because the API call is only available to admins and they are intentionally allowed to execute PHP code.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.9 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 48%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-284, CWE-915
Published	2026-05-08
Last modified	2026-10-15

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pfsense

Last updated 2026-10-15 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-08 07:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-15 19:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pfsense pfsense DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.8.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.8.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pfsense sudo apt install pfsense=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8.0> sudo apt-mark hold pfsense

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list pfsense sudo dnf downgrade pfsense-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pfsense

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2025-69691?

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

Is CVE-2025-69691 being exploited?

CVE-2025-69691 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-2025-69691 affect?

CVE-2025-69691 affects pfsense. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). Netgate pfSense CE 2.8.0 allows code execution in the XMLRPC API via pfsense.exec_php. NOTE: the Supplier disputes this because the API call is only available to admins and they are intentionally allowed to execute PHP code.

How urgent is CVE-2025-69691?

Priority 53/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities · pfSense and OPNsense vulnerabilities

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References

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