CVE-2026-76446: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Cisco Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
A vulnerability in an API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read specific files on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper restriction of XML external entity references. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read specific files on the affected system that the underlying process has permission to access.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability exists in an API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to improper restriction of XML external entity references. An authenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a crafted request to the affected device, enabling reading of specific files on the underlying OS that the process has permission to access. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and impact limited to confidentiality.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to read specific files on the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no impact on integrity or availability. The attacker must have high privileges (authenticated access) to exploit this vulnerability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, restrict access to the affected API to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity involving XML input processing.
CVE-2026-76446: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference in Cisco Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
Description
A vulnerability in an API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read specific files on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper restriction of XML external entity references. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read specific files on the affected system that the underlying process has permission to access.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.9medium
Affected software
Cisco
Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
Cisco
Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability exists in an API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to improper restriction of XML external entity references. An authenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a crafted request to the affected device, enabling reading of specific files on the underlying OS that the process has permission to access. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and impact limited to confidentiality.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to read specific files on the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no impact on integrity or availability. The attacker must have high privileges (authenticated access) to exploit this vulnerability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch links are provided in the available data. Until a patch is available, restrict access to the affected API to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity involving XML input processing.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- cisco
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-19T12:02:03.636Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aab006f55bf5e2cf5232037
Added to database: 09/16/2026, 20:47:43 UTC
Last enriched: 09/16/2026, 21:02:30 UTC
Last updated: 09/17/2026, 04:01:23 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.