CVE-2026-111224: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in Netgate pfSense CE
Description
pfSense CE versions up to 2.9.0 contain an OS command injection vulnerability in the OpenVPN connect script. Authenticated VPN users via RADIUS or LDAP can exploit this by using crafted usernames with special shell characters to execute commands as root. This vulnerability allows privilege escalation through the OpenVPN connection process.
CVSS v4.0
Score 7.7high
Affected software
Netgate
pfSense CE
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-111224 is an OS command injection vulnerability in pfSense CE through version 2.9.0. The flaw exists in the OpenVPN openvpn.connect_async.sh script, where usernames authenticated via RADIUS or LDAP are improperly neutralized before being used in an eval'd pfctl anchor name command. Attackers can craft usernames containing single quotes and shell metacharacters to break out of the intended command context and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
Potential Impact
An authenticated attacker connecting via VPN using RADIUS or LDAP authentication can execute arbitrary commands as root on the pfSense CE system. This can lead to full system compromise, privilege escalation, and potential control over network traffic and firewall rules.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch is available, restrict VPN user input and consider disabling RADIUS or LDAP authentication if feasible. Monitor vendor communications for official fixes.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-10-15T18:21:21.555Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ad123be2cdf04f65652b745
Added to database: 10/15/2026, 19:04:30 UTC
Last enriched: 10/15/2026, 19:18:35 UTC
Last updated: 10/15/2026, 19:19:21 UTC
Views: 8
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