CVE-2026-20095: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') in Cisco Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with admin-level privileges to perform command injection attacks on an affected system and execute arbitrary commands as the root user. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user. Cisco has assigned this vulnerability a Security Impact Rating (SIR) of High, rather than Medium as the score indicates, because additional security implications could occur once the attacker has become root.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in user input within the web-based management interface of Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software. An authenticated remote attacker with administrative privileges can exploit this flaw to perform command injection, executing arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. The vulnerability affects numerous versions of the software. Cisco assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, reflecting medium severity, but considers the overall security impact rating as high due to the potential consequences of root access.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated admin-level attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root on the affected system. This could lead to full system compromise and additional security risks beyond the initial command injection. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has network attack vector with low attack complexity. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are high, while availability impact is none according to the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, organizations should monitor Cisco advisories for updates. Until a fix is available, restrict administrative access to trusted personnel only and consider additional controls to limit exposure of the web-based management interface.
CVE-2026-20095: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') in Cisco Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software
Description
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with admin-level privileges to perform command injection attacks on an affected system and execute arbitrary commands as the root user. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user. Cisco has assigned this vulnerability a Security Impact Rating (SIR) of High, rather than Medium as the score indicates, because additional security implications could occur once the attacker has become root.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in user input within the web-based management interface of Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software. An authenticated remote attacker with administrative privileges can exploit this flaw to perform command injection, executing arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. The vulnerability affects numerous versions of the software. Cisco assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, reflecting medium severity, but considers the overall security impact rating as high due to the potential consequences of root access.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated admin-level attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root on the affected system. This could lead to full system compromise and additional security risks beyond the initial command injection. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has network attack vector with low attack complexity. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are high, while availability impact is none according to the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, organizations should monitor Cisco advisories for updates. Until a fix is available, restrict administrative access to trusted personnel only and consider additional controls to limit exposure of the web-based management interface.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.369Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69cd661ee6bfc5ba1de9cb03
Added to database: 4/1/2026, 6:38:22 PM
Last enriched: 4/22/2026, 10:35:21 PM
Last updated: 5/17/2026, 3:55:44 AM
Views: 55
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.