Actively exploited · Published Sep 27, 2026 · Assigned by NetScaler

CVE-2026-88771A remote code execution vulnerability exists due to improper input validation, which can allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands

Critical 9.5 Exploited

In plain English

A critical-severity improper input validation in ADC from Citrix NetScaler. Attackers are actively exploiting it in the wild (listed by CISA on September 27, 2026). The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 81.9% (higher than 99.7% of all known vulnerabilities). Ready-made attack tooling exists: Metasploit, public proof-of-concept code. Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Severity (CVSS 4.0)9.5Critical
Exploit odds (30 days)81.9%top 0.3% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildYesCISA KEV since Sep 27, 2026
Attack tooling2Metasploit, Public PoC

CISA guidance

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Federal agencies must remediate by Sep 30, 2026.

Official description

Improper input validation vulnerability in Citrix NetScaler ADC and Citrix NetScaler Gateway. This issue affects ADC: before 14.1-73.37, before 13.1-64.23, before 14.1-73.37 FIPS, and before 13.1.37.279 FIPS and NDcPP; Gateway: before 14.1-73.37 and before 13.1-64.23 leading to an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands.

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
Citrix NetScaler ADC 0 – before 14.1-73.370 – before 13.1-64.230 – before 14.1-73.37 FIPS0 – before 13.1.37.279 FIPS and NDcPP
Citrix NetScaler Gateway 0 – before 14.1-73.370 – before 13.1-64.23

Weakness: CWE-20 · Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H

References