CVE-2026-20320: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Cisco Cisco BroadWorks
A vulnerability in the Open Client Interface (OCI) XML Parser of Cisco BroadWorks could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to read sensitive configuration information on an affected system. This vulnerability exists because XML entries are improperly parsed due to external entity resolution being allowed by default. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted XML message to the Open Client Interface – Provisioning (OCI-P) service. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive files from the filesystem with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability in Cisco BroadWorks' OCI XML Parser permits an unauthenticated remote attacker to send specially crafted XML messages to the OCI-P service. Due to improper restriction of XML external entity references, the attacker can cause the parser to resolve external entities and read sensitive files from the system. The flaw stems from external entity resolution being allowed by default, leading to exposure of sensitive configuration information with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user.
Potential Impact
An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can read sensitive files on the affected system without authentication, potentially exposing confidential configuration data. The impact is confidentiality loss only, with no integrity or availability impact reported. The attacker gains access with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user, which may be significant depending on deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or workaround information is provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, restrict network access to the OCI-P service to trusted sources to reduce exposure.
CVE-2026-20320: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Cisco Cisco BroadWorks
Description
A vulnerability in the Open Client Interface (OCI) XML Parser of Cisco BroadWorks could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to read sensitive configuration information on an affected system. This vulnerability exists because XML entries are improperly parsed due to external entity resolution being allowed by default. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted XML message to the Open Client Interface – Provisioning (OCI-P) service. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive files from the filesystem with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
Cisco
Cisco BroadWorks
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability in Cisco BroadWorks' OCI XML Parser permits an unauthenticated remote attacker to send specially crafted XML messages to the OCI-P service. Due to improper restriction of XML external entity references, the attacker can cause the parser to resolve external entities and read sensitive files from the system. The flaw stems from external entity resolution being allowed by default, leading to exposure of sensitive configuration information with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user.
Potential Impact
An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can read sensitive files on the affected system without authentication, potentially exposing confidential configuration data. The impact is confidentiality loss only, with no integrity or availability impact reported. The attacker gains access with the privileges of the Cisco BroadWorks user, which may be significant depending on deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the Cisco vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or workaround information is provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, restrict network access to the OCI-P service to trusted sources to reduce exposure.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-08T11:59:15.411Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a85dfcaacd9273b49587f61
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 16:54:34 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 17:07:09 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 06:34:56 UTC
Views: 82
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