SolarWinds Web Help Desk Security Control Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2025-40536)

SolarWinds Web Help Desk contains a security control bypass vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to certain restricted functionality.

Published Jan 28, 2026 · Updated May 29, 2026

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Why patchRisk explained in plain English

Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2026-02-15 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Software Vulnerability (CWE-693) (CWE-693) vulnerability in SolarWinds Web Help Desk. Exploitation requires remote network access, higher attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

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Phishing link

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Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●IT Security

●Running web help desk: v < 2026.1

Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-02-12 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2026-02-15.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.