CVE-2026-20286: Improper Authorization in Cisco Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identify Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to modify parts of the configuration on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to the lack of server-side validation of Administrator permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted HTTP request to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify descriptions of files on a specific page. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid Administrator credentials.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from the lack of proper server-side validation of Administrator permissions in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine Software. An attacker who has valid Administrator credentials can exploit this by sending crafted HTTP requests to modify configuration elements, specifically file descriptions, on the affected system. The flaw affects versions 3.1.0 through 3.5.0 inclusive. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting low complexity and limited impact confined to integrity modification without affecting confidentiality or availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker with valid Administrator credentials can modify configuration descriptions on the affected Cisco ISE device. This could lead to unauthorized changes in configuration metadata but does not impact confidentiality or availability. There is no indication of privilege escalation or remote unauthenticated exploitation. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since the vulnerability requires valid Administrator credentials, ensure strict access controls and credential management. Monitor for vendor updates to apply official fixes when available.
CVE-2026-20286: Improper Authorization in Cisco Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
Description
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identify Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to modify parts of the configuration on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to the lack of server-side validation of Administrator permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted HTTP request to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify descriptions of files on a specific page. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid Administrator credentials.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
Affected software
Cisco
Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
pkg:github/cisco/identity-services-engineRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from the lack of proper server-side validation of Administrator permissions in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine Software. An attacker who has valid Administrator credentials can exploit this by sending crafted HTTP requests to modify configuration elements, specifically file descriptions, on the affected system. The flaw affects versions 3.1.0 through 3.5.0 inclusive. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting low complexity and limited impact confined to integrity modification without affecting confidentiality or availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker with valid Administrator credentials can modify configuration descriptions on the affected Cisco ISE device. This could lead to unauthorized changes in configuration metadata but does not impact confidentiality or availability. There is no indication of privilege escalation or remote unauthenticated exploitation. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since the vulnerability requires valid Administrator credentials, ensure strict access controls and credential management. Monitor for vendor updates to apply official fixes when available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.404Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aab006855bf5e2cf5232010
Added to database: 09/16/2026, 20:47:36 UTC
Last enriched: 09/16/2026, 21:18:39 UTC
Last updated: 09/17/2026, 03:01:22 UTC
Views: 5
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.