CVE-2026-111223: Netgate pfSense CE 2.7.0 through 2.9.0 contains a configuration injection vulnerability that allows authentica

This month

HIGH 7.2UPGRADE

CVE-2026-111223 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting pfsense. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Netgate pfSense CE 2.7.0 through 2.9.0 contains a configuration injection vulnerability that allows authenticated users with IPsec Mobile privileges to execute commands as root via the login_banner field. Attackers can submit a single-line banner containing '}' to escape the unquoted strongswan.conf attr value and define charon.start-scripts entries that charon executes as root on restart.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.8% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-74
Published	2026-10-15
Last modified	2026-10-19

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: pfsense

Last updated 2026-10-19 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-15 19:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-19 20:43 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pfsense pfsense UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.7.0 and <= 2.9.0

Fixed in: newer than 2.9.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pfsense

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pfsense

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pfsense sudo apt install pfsense=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold pfsense

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list pfsense sudo dnf downgrade pfsense-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> 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-2026-111223?

pfsense: upgrade to newer than 2.9.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-111223 being exploited?

CVE-2026-111223 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-2026-111223 affect?

CVE-2026-111223 affects pfsense. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Netgate pfSense CE 2.7.0 through 2.9.0 contains a configuration injection vulnerability that allows authenticated users with IPsec Mobile privileges to execute commands as root via the login_banner field. Attackers can submit a single-line

How urgent is CVE-2026-111223?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

strongSwan vulnerabilities · pfSense and OPNsense vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-111231 HIGH 7.2 UPGRADE Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows read-only WebGUI u
CVE-2026-111221 MEDIUM 6.6 UPGRADE Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains a configuration injection vulnerability that allows authenticated We
CVE-2026-111216 HIGH 7.2 UPGRADE Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains an OS command injection vulnerability that allows authenticated user
CVE-2026-111232 MEDIUM 4.8 UPGRADE Netgate pfSense CE 2.3.0 through 2.9.0 contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authen
CVE-2026-111227 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains a CRLF injection vulnerability in services_unbound_acls.php that all

References

← Back to latest CVEs