CVE-2025-1547
📋 TL;DR
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in WatchGuard Fireware OS allows authenticated privileged users to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted CLI commands. This affects Fireware OS versions 12.0 through 12.5.12+701324 and 12.6 through 12.11.2. Attackers with administrative access could gain complete control of affected firewall devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- WatchGuard Fireware OS
📦 What is this software?
Fireware by Watchguard
Fireware by Watchguard
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of firewall device leading to network pivoting, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from authenticated user to full system control, enabling configuration changes and credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict CLI access to trusted administrators only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated privileged access and knowledge of CLI command structure. No public exploit available as of advisory publication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fireware OS 12.5.13+701324 and 12.11.3
Vendor Advisory: https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/wgsa-2025-00013
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from WatchGuard support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Apply firmware update via Web UI or CLI. 4. Reboot device after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CLI Access
allLimit CLI access to only essential trusted administrators using role-based access controls.
Monitor CLI Activity
allEnable detailed logging of all CLI commands and monitor for suspicious certificate-related operations.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls limiting CLI access to minimum necessary personnel
- Enable comprehensive logging and monitoring of all CLI sessions and certificate operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Fireware OS version via Web UI (System > About) or CLI command 'show version'Check Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 12.5.13+701324 or higher for 12.5.x branch, or 12.11.3 or higher for 12.6+ branch📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CLI certificate request commands
- Multiple failed certificate operations
- Privilege escalation attempts via CLI
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected configuration changes
- Unusual outbound connections from firewall
SIEM Query:
source="firewall" AND (event="cli_command" AND command="*certificate*request*")