Check Point SmartConsole Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-16232 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Quantum Security Management from Check Point, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Quantum Security Management versions: R82.10 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 36 or below; R82 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 118 or below; R81.20 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 158 or below, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on July 22, 2026, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Quantum Security Management you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- Read the advisory on support.checkpoint.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check Point | Quantum Security Management | R82.10 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 36 or below; R82 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 118 or below; R81.20 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 158 or below; R81.10, R81, R80.30, R80.20, R80.10, R80, and R77.30 | Not stated |
| Check Point | Multi-Domain Security Management | R82.10 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 36 or below; R82 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 118 or below; R81.20 with Jumbo Hotfix Take 158 or below; R81.10, R81, R80.30, R80.20, R80.10, R80, and R77.30 | 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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (checkpoint.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
An authentication bypass vulnerability in the Check Point SmartConsole login process allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to obtain an application login token and use it to authenticate with full administrative privileges. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to modify security policies and security configurations. Remote exploitation requires internet access to the Management Server IP address and a configuration that does not restrict Trusted Clients. Check Point is aware that this vulnerability is being exploited and has affected a very small number of customers.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-16232US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Quantum Security Management
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.