CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-1498NVD status: Deferred

Fireware OS: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-1498 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an LDAP query vulnerability in Fireware OS from WatchGuard, with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 2026.1, 12.11.7, 12.5.16 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 0.92% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 61% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Fireware OS to 2026.1 or 12.11.7 or 12.5.16, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on psirt.watchguard.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
WatchGuardFireware OS2025.1 up to, but not including, 2026.1; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.11.7; 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.5.162026.1, 12.11.7, 12.5.16

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.
Attack requirements
PresentThe target must be in a specific state or configuration for the attack to work.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Confidentiality (vulnerable system)
NoneNo loss of confidentiality on the vulnerable system.
Integrity (vulnerable system)
NoneNo loss of integrity on the vulnerable system.
Availability (vulnerable system)
NoneNo loss of availability on the vulnerable system.
Confidentiality (other systems)
HighSerious loss of confidentiality on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
Integrity (other systems)
HighSerious loss of integrity on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
Availability (other systems)
NoneNo loss of availability on systems beyond the vulnerable one.

Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X. Scored by CNA.

Official description

An LDAP Injection vulnerability in WatchGuard Fireware OS may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to retrieve sensitive information from a connected LDAP authentication server through an exposed authentication or management web interface. This vulnerability may also allow a remote attacker to authenticate as an LDAP user with a partial identifier if they additionally have that user's valid passphrase.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query

The product constructs all or part of an LDAP query using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended LDAP query when it is sent to a downstream component.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities (CWE-90)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Fireware OS

All Fireware OS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities

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