pfSense CE: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
CVE-2026-111220 is a high-severity improper neutralization of CRLF sequences vulnerability in pfSense CE from Netgate, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected pfSense CE versions: 2.9.0 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.73% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 55% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of pfSense CE you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgate | pfSense CE | 2.9.0 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.6 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
pfSense CE through 2.9.0 contains a crontab injection vulnerability in interfaces_ppps_edit.php that allows authenticated users to execute commands as root by injecting newlines into the ptpid or reset hour/minute fields. Attackers holding the 'WebCfg - Interfaces: PPPs: Edit' privilege can submit crafted POST values that configure_cron() writes unescaped into /etc/crontab, running arbitrary root commands on schedule.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
The product uses CRLF (carriage return line feeds) as a special element, e.g. to separate lines or records, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes CRLF sequences from inputs.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Appropriately filter or quote CRLF sequences in user-controlled input.
More Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities (CWE-93)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
- abraxaslabs.tech/research/pfsense-ce-leftovers
- github.com/abraxas/pfsense-pppoe-cron
- github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/etc/inc/interfaces.inc#L2174-L22…
- github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/etc/inc/services.inc#L5652-L5660
- github.com/pfsense/pfsense/blob/9363ac5b8651a1c7a333180425ce7719070f95f9/src/usr/local/www/interfaces_ppps_ed…
- vulncheck.com/advisories/netgate-pfsense-ce-through-2.9.0-crontab-injection-via-ppp-periodic-reset-ptpid
Other vulnerabilities in pfSense CE
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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