CVE-2025-40536
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitSolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a security control bypass vulnerability that if exploited, could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to certain restricted functionality.
Published Jan 28, 2026 · Updated Feb 26, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2025-40536 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Web Help Desk (Solarwinds).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 12, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 74% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Web Help Desk 2026.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
74%
Higher than 99.4% 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-2025-40536 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a security control bypass vulnerability that if exploited, could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to certain restricted functionality.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Feb 12, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 12, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Feb 12, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Feb 12, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Web Help DeskSolarwinds | >= 12.8.8 HF1 and below | 2026.1 |
Patched Releases
Web Help Desk
2026.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 28, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Feb 12, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 12, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Feb 12, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Feb 12, 2026
Last updated
Feb 26, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-693 Protection Mechanism Failure
References
- advisoryhttps://www.huntress.com/blog/active-exploitation-solarwinds-web-help-desk-cve-2025-26399
- advisoryhttps://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/CVE-2025-40536
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitMSF solarwinds_webhelpdesk_rce.rb
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a security control bypass vulnerability that if exploited, could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to certain restricted functionality.
Affected: Web Help Desk (Solarwinds) versions >= 12.8.8 HF1 and below. 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 Feb 12, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Feb 12, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Feb 15, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Web Help Desk 2026.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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