CVE-2026-20079: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in Cisco Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is due to an improper system process that is created at boot time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute a variety of scripts and commands that allow root access to the device.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) software enables an unauthenticated remote attacker to bypass authentication via the web interface. The root cause is an improper system process created during device boot. Exploitation involves sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected device, which can lead to execution of arbitrary scripts and commands with root privileges on the underlying OS. This grants the attacker full control over the device. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of FMC starting from 7.0.0 through various 7.x releases and 10.0.x versions as listed. There is no vendor advisory or patch information provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of the affected Cisco FMC device, including unauthorized root access to the underlying operating system. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts and commands, potentially leading to full control over the firewall management infrastructure. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 10.0 (critical), reflecting its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the FMC web interface to trusted networks and monitor for suspicious HTTP requests. Avoid exposing the management interface to untrusted networks. Follow Cisco's official guidance once published.
CVE-2026-20079: Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in Cisco Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)
Description
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is due to an improper system process that is created at boot time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute a variety of scripts and commands that allow root access to the device.
CVSS v3.1
Score 10.0critical
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) software enables an unauthenticated remote attacker to bypass authentication via the web interface. The root cause is an improper system process created during device boot. Exploitation involves sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected device, which can lead to execution of arbitrary scripts and commands with root privileges on the underlying OS. This grants the attacker full control over the device. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of FMC starting from 7.0.0 through various 7.x releases and 10.0.x versions as listed. There is no vendor advisory or patch information provided in the input data.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of the affected Cisco FMC device, including unauthorized root access to the underlying operating system. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts and commands, potentially leading to full control over the firewall management infrastructure. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 10.0 (critical), reflecting its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the FMC web interface to trusted networks and monitor for suspicious HTTP requests. Avoid exposing the management interface to untrusted networks. Follow Cisco's official guidance once published.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.363Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69a86ce0d1a09e29cb4f1559
Added to database: 03/04/2026, 17:33:20 UTC
Last enriched: 07/29/2026, 21:20:21 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 21:29:16 UTC
Views: 539
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