CVE-2018-14847
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitMikroTik RouterOS through 6.42 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files and remote authenticated attackers to write arbitrary files due to a directory traversal vulnerability in the WinBox interface.
Published Aug 2, 2018 · Updated Nov 7, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-14847 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.1 v3.1) affecting Routeros (Mikrotik).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 1, 2020. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Routeros <=6.42, Routeros 6.42.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
96%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
MikroTik RouterOS through 6.42 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files and remote authenticated attackers to write arbitrary files due to a directory traversal vulnerability in the WinBox interface.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Dec 1, 2021 | Jun 1, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 1, 2020 | Jun 1, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 1, 2021 | Jun 1, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Dec 1, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| RouterosMikrotik | See advisory | 6.42 |
Patched Releases
Routeros
<=6.42
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 2, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 1, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Dec 1, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 1, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Dec 1, 2021
Last updated
Nov 7, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttps://mikrotik.com/supportsec/winbox-vulnerability
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
MikroTik RouterOS through 6.42 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files and remote authenticated attackers to write arbitrary files due to a directory traversal vulnerability in the WinBox interface.
Affected: Routeros (Mikrotik). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 1, 2020.
Yes. It was added on Dec 1, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 1, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Routeros <=6.42, Routeros 6.42.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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