Fireware OS: Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature
CVE-2026-13722 is a high-severity improper verification of cryptographic signature vulnerability in Fireware OS from WatchGuard, 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. The record lists versions 2026.2.1, 12.12.1, 12.11.9 as the first without the flaw, so updating Fireware OS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.33% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Fireware OS to 2026.2.1 or 12.12.1 or 12.11.9, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Fireware to 2026.2.1 or 12.12.1 or 11.12.4, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on watchguard.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| WatchGuard | Fireware OS | 2025.1 up to, but not including, 2026.2.1; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.12.1; 11.0 through 11.12.4+541730; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.11.9; 12.0 and later | 2026.2.1, 12.12.1, 12.11.9 |
| WatchGuard | Fireware | 2025.1 up to, but not including, 2026.2.1; 12.5 through 12.5.18; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.12.1; 11.0.0 up to, but not including, 11.12.4; 11.12.4 | 2026.2.1, 12.12.1, 11.12.4 |
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 NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.6 | High | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
WatchGuard Fireware OS contains a firmware validation bypass when processing a backup image via the backup/restore feature. An authenticated administrator can exploit this vulnerability to install a tampered firmware image.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature
The product does not verify, or incorrectly verifies, the cryptographic signature for data.
More Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature vulnerabilities (CWE-347)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Fireware OS
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
Recent Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
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