# What is CVE-2024-5974?

> CVE-2024-5974 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) in Fireware from Watchguard, published on 9 July 2024. It is not on the list of flaws known to be exploited today. The latest forecast puts its chance of use in the next 30 days at 0.9%. If you run an affected version, plan in the vendor’s fix.

Canonical page: https://www.edgeprotect.io/what-is/cve-2024-5974

## At a glance

- **Verdict:** Plan it in. No sign of exploitation and a low forecast. Patch it in your normal update cycle.
- **EdgeProtect risk score:** 48 out of 100 (Medium); action: Plan remediation. Kept up to date as the evidence changes.
- **Severity:** High (CVSS 7.2 out of 10)
- **Known to be exploited:** No, not on the list of flaws known to be exploited today
- **Chance of use in the next 30 days:** 0.9% (latest exploit-likelihood forecast)
- **Published:** 9 July 2024
- **Record last updated:** 13 January 2025
- **Main product:** Fireware from Watchguard
- **Affected products:** 51

## What is CVE-2024-5974? In plain terms

It can be attacked from anywhere on the internet with an administrator account, and nobody has to click anything. If it works, the attacker can read data, change data and take it offline.

### The official description

A buffer overflow in WatchGuard Fireware OS could may allow an authenticated remote attacker with privileged management access to execute arbitrary code with system privileges on the firewall.
This issue affects Fireware OS: from 11.9.6 through 12.10.3.

### What kind of flaw is it?

- CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')

### How an attack on it works

- Where an attacker can be: Anywhere on the internet
- How hard it is to pull off: Easy: no special conditions
- Login needed first: An administrator account
- Does someone have to click: No, nobody has to do anything
- What an attacker gets: Can read data, change data and take it offline

Severity vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`

## Is CVE-2024-5974 being exploited? Not that we know of

It is not on the list of flaws known to be exploited today. The latest forecast puts the chance of it being used in the next 30 days at 0.9%. That can change at any time, which is why we keep watching.

Exploit likelihood over the last 7 days: 0.9%, 0.9%, 0.9%, 0.9%, 0.9%, 0.9%, 0.9%.

### Timeline

- 9 July 2024: Published
- 13 January 2025: Record last updated

### How EdgeProtect ranks it

CVE-2024-5974 scores **48 out of 100 (Medium)**, with the action "Plan remediation".

Every published flaw gets a risk score from 0 to 100, kept up to date as the evidence changes. Four things go into the score, from the one that counts most to the ones that count less:

- Evidence it is being exploited: biggest factor
- How severe it is: strong factor
- How widely exposed it is: key context
- Real threat activity around it: key context

85 and above is Critical. Anything confirmed as exploited is always marked for an emergency patch, whatever its score. When this flaw matches software you track, it lands in your list with its score and the reasons behind it.

## Who is affected by CVE-2024-5974?

The published record lists 51 products. Versions are as published: "11.9.4 to before 12.5.12" means from 11.9.4 up to, but not including, 12.5.12.

- [Fireware](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireware) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Operating system): 11.9.4 to before 12.5.12, 12.5.12-u1, 12.6 to before 12.10.4
- [Firebox M200](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m200) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M270](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m270) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M290](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m290) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M300](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m300) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M370](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m370) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M390](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m390) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M400](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m400) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M440](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m440) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M470](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m470) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M4800](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m4800) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M500](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m500) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M570](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m570) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M5800](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m5800) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M590](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m590) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M670](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m670) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox M690](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_m690) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T10](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t10) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T10-D](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t10-d) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T10-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t10-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T15](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t15) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T15-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t15-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T20](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t20) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T20-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t20-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T30](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t30) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T30-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t30-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T35](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t35) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T35-R](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t35-r) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T35-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t35-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T40](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t40) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T40-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t40-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T50](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t50) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T50-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t50-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T55](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t55) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T55-W](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t55-w) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T70](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t70) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox T80](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_t80) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm1520-Rp](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm1520-rp) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm1525-Rp](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm1525-rp) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm2520](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm2520) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm850](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm850) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm860](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm860) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm870](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm870) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Firebox Xtm870-F](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/firebox_xtm870-f) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Fireboxcloud](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxcloud) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Fireboxt Nv5](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxt_nv5) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): all versions
- [Fireboxt T25](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxt_t25) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): all versions
- [Fireboxt T45](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxt_t45) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): all versions
- [Fireboxt T85](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxt_t85) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): all versions
- [Fireboxv](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/fireboxv) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified
- [Xtmv](https://www.edgeprotect.io/product/watchguard/xtmv) by [Watchguard](https://www.edgeprotect.io/vendors/watchguard) (Hardware): version not specified

## How do I fix CVE-2024-5974?

1. **Check whether you run it.** Compare your versions with the affected products above. Not sure what you run? EdgeProtect can work it out from your public website, or you can pick it from a list.
2. **Apply the vendor’s fix.** Install the update named in the vendor’s advisory. We’ve put the advisory first in the list.
3. **If you can’t patch today.** Follow any mitigation the vendor publishes, and limit who can reach the affected system from the internet until the update is in.
4. **Keep an eye on it.** Track the product and we tell you as soon as we spot this flaw on the list of exploited flaws, or a jump in its exploit likelihood.

### References

- [watchguard.com](https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/wgsa-2024-00011) (Vendor advisory)

## Questions

### What is CVE-2024-5974?

CVE-2024-5974 is a high-severity flaw in Fireware from Watchguard, published on 9 July 2024. It can be attacked from anywhere on the internet with an administrator account, and nobody has to click anything. If it works, the attacker can read data, change data and take it offline.

### How serious is CVE-2024-5974?

It scores 7.2 out of 10 on the CVSS severity scale, which is high. Our risk score for CVE-2024-5974 is 48 out of 100, which is Medium. Its action is "Plan remediation". No sign of exploitation and a low forecast. Patch it in your normal update cycle.

### Is CVE-2024-5974 being exploited?

It is not on the list of flaws known to be exploited today. The latest forecast puts the chance of it being used in the next 30 days at 0.9%. That can change at any time, which is why we keep watching.

### Which versions does CVE-2024-5974 affect?

For Fireware from Watchguard: 11.9.4 to before 12.5.12, 12.5.12-u1, 12.6 to before 12.10.4. The record lists 51 products in all, each with its versions, under "Who is affected" on this page.

### How do I fix CVE-2024-5974?

Install the update the vendor names in its advisory, linked first under "How do I fix" on this page. If you can't patch today, follow the vendor's mitigation and limit who can reach the affected system from the internet.

## Does CVE-2024-5974 affect you?

EdgeProtect keeps checking for you:

- **Tell us what you run.** Pick your software from a list, or let us work it out from your website.
- **We match it to every flaw.** Over 400,000 published flaws, checked against your list.
- **Ranked by real-world risk.** Every flaw gets a 0 to 100 risk score, kept up to date, led by evidence criminals are using it.
- **Told as soon as we know.** An alert by email, in the app or by webhook to your own tools.

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