CVE-2025-40554: SolarWinds Web Help Desk · Weak Authentication
Affects SolarWinds Web Help DeskSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · public detection template (Nuclei) · 60% EPSS · CVSS 9.8 Critical.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 60.6% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 28 Jan 2026
Detectable: evidence found.
nuclei template: SolarWinds Web Help Desk - Authentication Bypass
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| SolarWindsWeb Help Desk | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
1. Immediately upgrade SolarWinds Web Help Desk to a version above 12.8.8 HF1 once patches are released by the vendor. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to the Web Help Desk interface using firewall rules or VPNs, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. 3. Implement strong network segmentation to isolate the Web Help Desk server from critical infrastructure and sensitive data stores. 4. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual or unauthorized access attempts targeting the Web Help Desk application, focusing on authentication bypass indicators. 5. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) on any administrative interfaces if supported, to add an additional layer of security. 6. Conduct a thorough audit of Web Help Desk user accounts and permissions to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including rapid containment and forensic analysis procedures. 8. Engage with SolarWinds support and subscribe to their security advisories for timely updates and patches.
Description
SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to an authentication bypass vulnerability that, if exploited, could allow an attacker to invoke specific actions within Web Help Desk.