CVE-2022-23176
HighExploitedPublic exploitWatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via exposed management access.
Published Feb 24, 2022 · Updated Nov 3, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2022-23176 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Fireware (Watchguard).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 17, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 11% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Fireware 12.1.3.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
11%
Higher than 95.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2022-23176 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via exposed management access. This vulnerability impacts Fireware OS before 12.7.2_U1, 12.x before 12.1.3_U3, and 12.2.x through 12.5.x before 12.5.7_U3.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 11, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 17, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 11, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 11, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
8 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| FirewareWatchguard | 12.1.3, 12.1.3-u1, 12.1.3-u2, 12.5.7, 12.5.7-u1, 12.5.7-u2, 12.7.2 | 12.1.3 |
Patched Releases
Fireware
12.1.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 24, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 17, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 11, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 11, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 11, 2022
Last updated
Nov 3, 2025
References
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- advisoryhttps://securityportal.watchguard.com
- advisoryhttps://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_1_3_U7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
- advisoryhttps://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7_2/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
- advisoryhttps://www.watchguard.com/support/release-notes/fireware/12/en-US/EN_ReleaseNotes_Fireware_12_7/index.html#Fireware/en-US/resolved_issues.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
WatchGuard Firebox and XTM appliances allow a remote attacker with unprivileged credentials to access the system with a privileged management session via exposed management access.
Affected: Fireware (Watchguard) versions 12.1.3, 12.1.3-u1, 12.1.3-u2, 12.5.7, 12.5.7-u1, 12.5.7-u2, 12.7.2. 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 Mar 17, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Apr 11, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of May 2, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Fireware 12.1.3.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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