# CVE-2026-41288: WatchGuard Agent privilege escalation in patch management component

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-41288-watchguard-agent-privilege-escalation-in-patch-management  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-05-06. Updated: 2026-05-11  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-41288 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-05-06

A security vulnerability exists in the WatchGuard Agent for Windows, a software component used for managing and securing endpoint devices. An attacker who already has basic access to a computer can exploit incorrect file or resource permissions to gain full administrative control (SYSTEM privileges). This could allow an unauthorized user to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt business operations on the affected machine.

Technologies: [Watchguard Agent](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/agent). Vendors: [Watchguard](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/watchguard).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-41288 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-41288 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-41288?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 6 May 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** WatchGuard Agent versions up to (excluding) 1.25.03.0000.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-41288?** A patch was published on 2026-05-11: NVD updated with patch version information Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-41288 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-41288?** Check whether you run Watchguard Agent. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is classified as an Incorrect Permission Assignment for a Critical Resource (CWE-732) within the patch management component of the WatchGuard Agent on Windows. A local attacker with low-level authenticated access can exploit these weak permissions to modify or interact with sensitive resources used by the agent. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to escalate their privileges to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM, the highest level of access on a Windows system. The issue is resolved in WatchGuard Agent version 1.25.03.0000.

## Affected products

- WatchGuard Agent versions up to (excluding) 1.25.03.0000

## Timeline

- 2026-05-06: disclosed
- 2026-05-06: advisory
- 2026-05-11: patched: NVD updated with patch version information

## References

- [https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/WGSA-2026-00011](https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-psirt/advisory/WGSA-2026-00011)

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- [WatchGuard Agent hard-coded cryptographic key in Windows agent](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-6787-watchguard-agent-hard-coded-cryptographic-key-in-windows-agent)
- [WatchGuard Agent stack overflow in discovery service](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-41286-watchguard-agent-stack-overflow-in-discovery-service)