How to Fix CVE-2025-40552: Web Help Desk (Bundle Sibling)
| Severity | CVSS 9.8, Critical |
|---|---|
| Actively exploited? | No |
| Affected | SolarWinds Web Help Desk (12.8.8 HF1 and below) |
| Fixed in | Same patched build as CVE-2024-28988 |
| Type (CWE) | CWE-1390: Weak Authentication |
CVE-2025-40552 is a sibling vulnerability in the same Solarwinds Web Help Desk advisory bundle as CVE-2024-28988. The same patched build closes every CVE in the bundle, so the remediation procedure for CVE-2025-40552 is the same as for the primary write-up.
What's different about CVE-2025-40552?
SolarWinds Web Help Desk was found to be susceptible to an authentication bypass vulnerability that if exploited, would allow a malicious actor to execute actions and methods that should be protected by authentication.
The technical distinction is the specific code path or input vector listed in the description above. Impact is consistent with the bundle: an authentication bypass that grants access without valid credentials. The patched build addresses every code path in the advisory in one update.
How to fix CVE-2025-40552
Apply the patched build per the primary write-up: How to Fix CVE-2024-28988.
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2025-40552 actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2025-40552 is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, so federal civilian agencies are required to patch on the published deadline. Most enterprises treat the same date as the practical floor.
What is the CVSS severity of CVE-2025-40552?
Critical. See the advisory for the full CVSS vector.
Where can I read the official advisory?
See https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/CVE-2025-40552
Does the patch require a reboot?
It depends on the deployment. Service-only updates usually need a service restart; OS-level fixes require a full reboot. Check the vendor release notes for the exact post-upgrade steps.
References
- Official vendor advisory: https://www.solarwinds.com/trust-center/security-advisories/CVE-2025-40552
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-40552
- CISA KEV catalog: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
- Primary write-up: How to Fix CVE-2024-28988
*Written by Sai Kiran Pandrala on 2026-05-25. Part of the Solarwinds Web Help Desk bundle. Full procedure at how-to-fix-cve-2024-28988.*