CVE-2026-16232: Check Point SmartConsole Improper Authentication Vulnerability

In short

Check Point SmartConsole has a weakness classified as improper authentication (CWE-287). CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-07-22. NVD lists CVSS 4.0 at 9.3 CRITICAL.

What it is

“Check Point SmartConsole contains an improper authentication vulnerability which could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to obtain an application login token and use it to authenticate with full administrative privileges.” — CISA KEV, retrieved 2026-11-01

“An authentication bypass vulnerability in the Check Point SmartConsole login process allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to obtain an application login token and use it to authenticate with full administrative privileges. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to modify security policies and security configurations. Remote exploitation requires internet access to the Management Server IP address and a configuration that does not restrict Trusted Clients. Check Point is aware that this vulnerability is being exploited and has affected a very small number of customers.” — NVD, retrieved 2026-11-01

Who is affected

Check Point SmartConsole. NVD lists the following versions as affected:

• Checkpoint multi-domain Security Management: from r77.30 inclusive, before r81.20
• Checkpoint multi-domain Security Management: version r81.20
• Checkpoint multi-domain Security Management: version r82
• Checkpoint multi-domain Security Management: version r82.10
• Checkpoint Quantum Security Management: from r77.30 inclusive, before r81.20
• Checkpoint Quantum Security Management: version r81.20
• Checkpoint Quantum Security Management: version r82
• Checkpoint Quantum Security Management: version r82.10

Exploitation status

CISA KEV added: 2026-07-22. Known ransomware campaign use: Not reported by CISA. Due date CISA set for US federal civilian agencies: 2026-07-25.

Scores

NVD CVSS 4.0: 9.3 CRITICAL; vector CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X; source [email protected].

EPSS by FIRST: 3.52%; percentile 89.22; score date 2026-10-31. EPSS estimates the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

CWE: CWE-287.

Timeline

CISA required action

“Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.” — CISA KEV

What to do

• Confirm whether you run Check Point SmartConsole and which version.
• Apply the vendor update or mitigation in the advisory.
• Follow CISA’s required action.
• Review the vendor guidance on signs of compromise.
• Track the fix through completion.

References

• Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory: https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk185169
• NVD detail
• CVE.org record
• CISA KEV catalog

Sources and dates

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, version 2026.10.30; retrieved 2026-11-01. CISA KEV data: CC0 1.0. No endorsement by CISA.

NVD retrieved: 2026-11-01. This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.

EPSS scores by FIRST; score date 2026-10-31.