CVE-2026-111217: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in Netgate pfSense CE
Description
CVE-2026-111217 is an OS command injection vulnerability in Netgate pfSense CE up to version 2.9.0. It allows authenticated users with Virtual IP edit privileges to execute arbitrary commands as root by supplying a specially crafted CARP VHID containing shell metacharacters. The vulnerability occurs during interface IP alias configuration or CARP status rendering.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.6high
Affected software
Netgate
pfSense CE
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Netgate pfSense CE versions up to 2.9.0 contain an OS command injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-111217. Authenticated users with Virtual IP edit privileges can exploit this flaw by providing a CARP VHID value with shell metacharacters. This input is not properly validated and is passed to system calls such as interface_ipalias_configure() and get_carp_interface_status(), which invoke ifconfig commands. This leads to arbitrary command execution with root privileges.
Potential Impact
An attacker with Virtual IP edit privileges can execute arbitrary OS commands as root on the affected system. This can lead to full system compromise, unauthorized access, and control over the pfSense CE device.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Virtual IP edit privileges to trusted administrators only and monitor for suspicious activity related to CARP VHID configuration.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-10-15T18:21:18.453Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ad123bc2cdf04f65652b73b
Added to database: 10/15/2026, 19:04:28 UTC
Last enriched: 10/15/2026, 19:19:34 UTC
Last updated: 10/15/2026, 19:19:34 UTC
Views: 6
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.