A significant security flaw has been identified in the FreePBX open-source IP PBX platform, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user portals. This vulnerability, designated as CVE-2026-46376, affects the User Control Panel (UCP) interface due to the presence of hard-coded credentials within the userman module.
Impact on FreePBX Versions
The issue concerns FreePBX versions prior to 16.0.45 and 17.0.7. Systems using these outdated versions are at risk, particularly if administrators neglected to alter default credentials during initial setup. The vulnerability originates from sample credentials embedded in the UCP generic template, which, if not changed, can leave systems exposed to unauthorized access.
These credentials, intended to ease deployment, can pose a serious security threat if not properly managed. Attackers can exploit this flaw without needing prior access or user interaction, posing a considerable risk in environments open to external threats.
Vulnerability Classification and Risks
Identified under CWE-798, this flaw involves the use of hard-coded credentials, a common security weakness that can lead to unauthorized access. With a CVSS v4 base score of 9.1, the vulnerability is deemed critical, highlighting its severe impact on confidentiality and integrity, although system availability remains unaffected.
Exploiting this vulnerability is network-based and requires minimal complexity, with no authentication needed. Consequently, it is crucial for administrators to address this issue promptly.
Recommended Actions and Updates
The vulnerability was disclosed in advisory GHSA-m55x-h47x-v3gx by security researcher chrsmj, with patches now available from FreePBX developers. Administrators are urged to upgrade FreePBX 16 to version 16.0.45 or later, and FreePBX 17 to version 17.0.7 or later.
To enhance security, administrators should change all default or template credentials during setup, employ VPN, MFA, or SAML to restrict access to the Administrator Control Panel (ACP), and use the FreePBX Firewall module to limit UCP and ACP access to trusted IP addresses. Additionally, blocking access from untrusted networks is advised.
Organizations should review existing deployments for instances where UCP templates were enabled without credential changes. This vulnerability, stemming from a code update in 2021 and identified by researcher s0nnyWT, highlights the persistent risks associated with insecure default configurations and emphasizes the necessity of strict credential management policies.
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