CVE-2026-111231 Netgate pfSense CE through 2.9.0 Authorization Bypass via config_restore() and config_install()

High 8.6 Published 15 Oct 2026 Updated 26 Oct 2026

Read-only users can bypass authorization checks to upload malicious configuration files, leading to root-level code execution on pfSense CE firewalls.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: An administrator
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-111231?

CVE-2026-111231 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Netgate pfSense CE, published on 15 Oct 2026. An attacker needs administrator access to exploit it, with no action from the victim.

Official 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.

Weakness: CWE-863

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-111231?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Pfsense Pfsense.

How do I fix CVE-2026-111231?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-111231 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2026-111231 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-111231 exists.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-prh2-rh73-jcp7.