Auth bypass in Netgate Pfsense Ce
CVE-2026-111231
Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows read-only WebGUI users to replace config.xml because config_restore() and config_install() ignore the 'User - Config: Deny Config Write' privilege. Attackers holding page privileges for services_acb.php, uploadconfig.php, diag_confbak.php, or diag_backup.php can install a chosen config.xml to gain root-level code execution after reload or reboot.
Vulnerability class: Broken Access Control
Published .
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 7.2 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
EPSS exploit prediction
No EPSS score from FIRST.org yet. New CVEs usually get one within a few days; no score means no signal yet, not low risk. How EPSS works.
Affected products
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- github.com/abraxas/pfsense-config-readonly-restore (technical-description, exploit)
- abraxaslabs.tech/research/pfsense-ce-leftovers (technical-description)
- github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/et… (technical-description)
- github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/et… (technical-description)
- www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netgate-pfsense-ce-through-2.9.0-authorization-byp… (third-party-advisory)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-111231?
- CVE-2026-111231 is a high-severity vulnerability in Netgate Pfsense Ce, classified under Incorrect Authorization. CVSS score: 7.2/10. Published 2026-10-15.
- How severe is CVE-2026-111231?
- High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.2 out of 10.