CVE-2026-20161: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Cisco Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent could allow an authenticated, local attacker with low privileges to overwrite arbitrary files on the local system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper access controls on files that are on the local file system of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by placing a symbolic link in a specific location on the local file system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass file system permissions and overwrite arbitrary files on the affected device.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves improper link resolution before file access in the Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent CLI. An authenticated local attacker with low privileges can place a symbolic link in a specific location on the local file system, which the agent improperly follows, allowing overwriting of arbitrary files. This bypasses normal file system permissions and could lead to integrity compromise of local files. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the agent from 4.0 to 5.1.2. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting local attack vector, low privileges required, no user interaction, and impact limited to integrity.
Potential Impact
An attacker with authenticated local access and low privileges can overwrite arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially compromising the integrity of critical files. There is no impact on confidentiality or availability reported. This could lead to unauthorized modification of system or application files, which may affect system behavior or security.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious symbolic link creation in the agent's file system paths. Avoid running the agent with unnecessary elevated privileges.
CVE-2026-20161: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Cisco Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent
Description
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent could allow an authenticated, local attacker with low privileges to overwrite arbitrary files on the local system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper access controls on files that are on the local file system of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by placing a symbolic link in a specific location on the local file system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass file system permissions and overwrite arbitrary files on the affected device.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves improper link resolution before file access in the Cisco ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent CLI. An authenticated local attacker with low privileges can place a symbolic link in a specific location on the local file system, which the agent improperly follows, allowing overwriting of arbitrary files. This bypasses normal file system permissions and could lead to integrity compromise of local files. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the agent from 4.0 to 5.1.2. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting local attack vector, low privileges required, no user interaction, and impact limited to integrity.
Potential Impact
An attacker with authenticated local access and low privileges can overwrite arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially compromising the integrity of critical files. There is no impact on confidentiality or availability reported. This could lead to unauthorized modification of system or application files, which may affect system behavior or security.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious symbolic link creation in the agent's file system paths. Avoid running the agent with unnecessary elevated privileges.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.388Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69dfb9f882d89c981f6ee6b1
Added to database: 4/15/2026, 4:16:56 PM
Last enriched: 4/15/2026, 4:32:16 PM
Last updated: 4/15/2026, 6:27:51 PM
Views: 5
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