CVE-2026-42083
HIGHfree5GC is an open-source implementation of the 5G core network. Prior to 4.2.2, PCF Npcf_SMPolicyControl missing authentication middleware allows unauthenticated access to SM policy…
EPSS Exploitation Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) is a daily probability model maintained by FIRST.org. It estimates the likelihood a CVE will be exploited in production environments within the next 30 days, derived from real-world threat intelligence signals.
Description
free5GC is an open-source implementation of the 5G core network. Prior to 4.2.2, PCF Npcf_SMPolicyControl missing authentication middleware allows unauthenticated access to SM policy handlers and disclosure of subscriber SUPI. In NewServer(), the smPolicyGroup route group is created and routes are applied without attaching the router authorization middleware. In contrast, other PCF service groups such as Npcf_PolicyAuthorization do attach RouterAuthorizationCheck before route registration. Because the middleware is missing, requests to the /npcf-smpolicycontrol/v1/sm-policies, /npcf-smpolicycontrol/v1/sm-policies/{smPolicyId}, /npcf-smpolicycontrol/v1/sm-policies/{smPolicyId}/update, and /npcf-smpolicycontrol/v1/sm-policies/{smPolicyId}/delete endpoints can reach business logic even when no valid OAuth token is provided. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.2.2.
Affected Products
free5gcfree5gcDetection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every free5gc free5gc deployment and check each version against the affected-products list above. Because the exploit targets the running system rather than your application code, also watch for exploitation at the network and runtime layer — O3 flags the exploit behaviour from runtime telemetry and egress traffic even before a vulnerable build is confirmed.
Fix
Apply the free5gc free5gc security patch or hotfix for CVE-2026-42083 on the affected version, following the vendor advisory for your exact build.
Workarounds
Cut exposure now: restrict the management/admin interface to trusted networks, segment the device, and apply the vendor's recommended configuration mitigations and any WAF/IPS signature. O3's runtime protection blocks the exploit chain at execution, holding the line on unpatched or end-of-life systems until you can patch.
How O3 protects you
O3 detects and blocks CVE-2026-42083 exploitation at runtime: eBPF exploit-chain detection, plus L7 egress monitoring that catches the post-exploitation callback and severs the attacker's outbound channel.
Tailored to CVE-2026-42083. Runtime protection reduces exposure until a permanent patch is applied and verified — it complements patching, it doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2026-42083 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2026-42083 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.