CVE-2019-16701

HIGH

pfSense 2.3.4-2.4.4-p3 - Remote Code Execution via pfsense.exec_php MethodCall

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2019-16701. PoCs published by Nassim Asrir.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit leverages XMLRPC methods in pfSense to execute arbitrary PHP code via the `pfsense.exec_php` method, allowing remote command execution. It first authenticates using `pfsense.host_firmware_version` and then writes a PHP shell to the target system.

Description

pfSense through 2.3.4 through 2.4.4-p3 allows Remote Code Injection via a methodCall XML document with a pfsense.exec_php call containing shell metacharacters in a parameter value.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC
by Nassim Asrir · pythonwebappsphp
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47413

This exploit leverages XMLRPC methods in pfSense to execute arbitrary PHP code via the `pfsense.exec_php` method, allowing remote command execution. It first authenticates using `pfsense.host_firmware_version` and then writes a PHP shell to the target system.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: pfSense 2.3.4 / 2.4.4-p3
Auth required
Prerequisites: Valid credentials for pfSense · XMLRPC access enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (3)

Core 3
Core References
Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense/commits/master

Scores

CVSS v3 8.8
EPSS 0.1961
EPSS Percentile 97.0%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Details

CWE
CWE-78
Status published
Products (2)
netgate/pfsense 2.4.4 (4 CPE variants)
netgate/pfsense 2.3.4 - 2.4.4
Published Sep 25, 2019
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026