CVE-2026-116786: FreeSWITCH: Channel-variable injection via SIP REFER leads to command execution in mod_sofia

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-116786 is a high (CVSS 8.8) vulnerability in signalwire freeswitch. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 38.7% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 05-11-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 09-11-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

FreeSWITCH is a Software Defined Telecom Stack enabling the digital transformation from proprietary telecom switches to a software implementation that runs on any commodity hardware. Prior to 1.11.2, sofia_handle_sip_i_refer() placed raw Refer-To URI parameters and headers inside a sip_invite_params channel-variable block passed to switch_ivr_originate(). The originate parser treated a comma in the attacker-controlled value as a variable separator, allowing an authenticated caller on a bridged call to inject arbitrary variables into a newly originated leg. An injected execute_on_originate value could invoke the system dialplan application before answer and execute operating-system commands with the FreeSWITCH process privileges. SIP REFER is enabled by default, and the sender needs only a registered account and a call that takes the off-box transfer path, not administrative or Event Socket access. This issue is fixed in version 1.11.2.

• CWE-77Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a CommandThe product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
• CWE-94Improper Control of Generation of CodeThe product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.