High severity · published Oct 15, 2026
CVE-2026-111231
Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 Authorization Bypass via config_restore() and config_install()
7.2
CVSS
0.8%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
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.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
High
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)0.8% · higher than 58% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
PC
pfSense CE · Netgate
through 2.9.0 · source: vendor
PF
Pfsense · Pfsense
through 2.9.0 · source: NVD
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-111231
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-111231
Issue Tracking
https://abraxaslabs.tech/research/pfsense-ce-leftovers
Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/abraxas/pfsense-config-readonly-restore
Product
https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/etc/inc/config.lib.inc#L588-L597
Product
https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/etc/inc/config.lib.inc#L743-L798
Third Party Advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netgate-pfsense-ce-through-2.9.0-authorization-bypass-via-config-restore-and-config-install
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