Is CVE-2022-45440 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2022-45440 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2022-45440 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2022-45440 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-45440?

CVE-2022-45440 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2022-45440

UNKNOWNCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2022-45440

Published: April 11, 2026

Official Description

A vulnerability exists in the FTP server of the Zyxel AX7501-B0 firmware prior to V5.17(ABPC.3)C0, which processes symbolic links on external storage media. A local authenticated attacker with administrator privileges could abuse this vulnerability to access the root file system by creating a symbolic link on external storage media, such as a USB flash drive, and then logging into the FTP server on a vulnerable device.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-45440 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2022-45440 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.