CVE-2026-13043: A missing authentication vulnerability in the Kernel Memory Access Driver (PSKMAD) used by WatchGuard endpoint

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-13043?

endpoint security: upgrade to 8.00.26.0012. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-13043 being exploited?

CVE-2026-13043 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-13043 affect?

CVE-2026-13043 affects endpoint security. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). A missing authentication vulnerability in the Kernel Memory Access Driver (PSKMAD) used by WatchGuard endpoint security products allows a local, authenticated attacker to bypass the driver's access-control handshake and issue arbitrary priv

Routine

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-13043 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting endpoint security. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A missing authentication vulnerability in the Kernel Memory Access Driver (PSKMAD) used by WatchGuard endpoint security products allows a local, authenticated attacker to bypass the driver's access-control handshake and issue arbitrary privileged commands to the driver, resulting in disclosure of kernel and process memory.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 96%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-306, CWE-798
Published	2026-10-01
Last modified	2026-10-16

Publisher (CNA): WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. · Vendor: watchguard

Last updated 2026-10-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-01 17:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-16 13:43 UTCUpdated Record last modified

watchguard endpoint security UPGRADE

Affected: < 8.00.26.0012

Fixed in: 8.00.26.0012

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy endpoint-security || rpm -q endpoint-security || endpoint-security --version

2. UPGRADE to 8.00.26.0012 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade endpoint-security

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade endpoint-security

Note

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

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-2026-13043?

endpoint security: upgrade to 8.00.26.0012. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-13043 being exploited?

CVE-2026-13043 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-2026-13043 affect?

CVE-2026-13043 affects endpoint security. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). A missing authentication vulnerability in the Kernel Memory Access Driver (PSKMAD) used by WatchGuard endpoint security products allows a local, authenticated attacker to bypass the driver's access-control handshake and issue arbitrary priv

How urgent is CVE-2026-13043?

Priority 32/100. High severity

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References

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