Actively exploited · Published Jan 28, 2026 · Assigned by SolarWinds
CVE-2025-40536SolarWinds Web Help Desk Security Control Bypass Vulnerability
High 8.1 Exploited
In plain English
A high-severity security flaw in Web Help Desk from SolarWinds. Attackers are actively exploiting it in the wild (listed by CISA on February 12, 2026). The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 73.6% (higher than 99.5% of all known vulnerabilities). Ready-made attack tooling exists: Metasploit, Nuclei, public proof-of-concept code. Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
CISA guidance
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Federal agencies must remediate by Feb 15, 2026.
Official description
SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to a security control bypass vulnerability that if exploited, could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to certain restricted functionality.
Affected products (as reported)
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| SolarWinds | Web Help Desk | 12.8.8 HF1 and below |
Weakness: CWE-693 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/CVE-2025-40536 vendor-advisory, patch
- https://documentation.solarwinds.com/en/success_center/whd/content/release_notes/whd_2026-1_release_notes.htm release-notes
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-40536 government-resource
- https://www.huntress.com/blog/active-exploitation-solarwinds-web-help-desk-cve-2025-26399 third-party-advisory