CVE-2026-20224: Improper Input Validation in Cisco Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
CVE-2026-20224 is a high-severity vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager that allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to read arbitrary files on the affected system. The issue arises from improper input validation related to XML External Entity (XXE) processing. Exploitation requires sending a crafted request to the vulnerable system, enabling file disclosure without valid credentials. The vulnerability affects numerous versions of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager. There is no explicit vendor advisory or patch information provided, and no known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the published date.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager's web UI is due to improper handling of XML External Entity (XXE) entries during XML parsing. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a specially crafted request, leading to arbitrary file disclosure on the affected system. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of software versions. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.6, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and a confidentiality impact classified as high. Integrity and availability impacts are not affected.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to read arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive information. The confidentiality impact is high, but there is no impact on integrity or availability. This could lead to information disclosure that might aid further attacks or data breaches.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or remediation level is provided, organizations should monitor Cisco's security advisories for updates. Until a patch is available, consider restricting access to the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager web UI to trusted networks and users to reduce exposure.
CVE-2026-20224: Improper Input Validation in Cisco Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
Description
CVE-2026-20224 is a high-severity vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager that allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to read arbitrary files on the affected system. The issue arises from improper input validation related to XML External Entity (XXE) processing. Exploitation requires sending a crafted request to the vulnerable system, enabling file disclosure without valid credentials. The vulnerability affects numerous versions of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager. There is no explicit vendor advisory or patch information provided, and no known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the published date.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager's web UI is due to improper handling of XML External Entity (XXE) entries during XML parsing. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a specially crafted request, leading to arbitrary file disclosure on the affected system. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of software versions. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.6, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and a confidentiality impact classified as high. Integrity and availability impacts are not affected.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to read arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive information. The confidentiality impact is high, but there is no impact on integrity or availability. This could lead to information disclosure that might aid further attacks or data breaches.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or remediation level is provided, organizations should monitor Cisco's security advisories for updates. Until a patch is available, consider restricting access to the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager web UI to trusted networks and users to reduce exposure.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.399Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a05fd9fec166c07b0f93170
Added to database: 5/14/2026, 4:51:43 PM
Last enriched: 5/14/2026, 5:07:30 PM
Last updated: 5/15/2026, 6:27:14 AM
Views: 16
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