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CVE-2026-20046

Cisco IOS XR Software CLI Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published: Mar 11, 2026Updated: Mar 12, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVD BDUCWE-264
NVD MITRE
8.8CVSSHIGH
EPSS Score
0.1%
Top 96.2%
CISA KEV
Not in KEV
Exploits
0 Known
Remediation
Patch Available

Description

A vulnerability in task group assignment for a specific CLI command in Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges and gain full administrative control of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to incorrect mapping of a command to task groups within the source code. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using the CLI command to bypass the task group–based checks. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges and perform actions on an affected device without authorization checks.

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:LAC:LPR:LUI:NS:CC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:LAttack Vector
Local
AC:LAttack Complexity
Low
PR:LPrivileges Required
Low
UI:NUser Interaction
None
Scope
S:CScope
Changed
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:HIntegrity
High
A:HAvailability
High
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Weaknesses

CWE-264

Affected Products

Cisco IOS XRCisco Systems Inc.
On-premNetwork Device
Networking Infrastructure / router-switch
Cisco IOS XR SoftwareCisco
On-premNetwork Device
Networking Infrastructure / router-switch
cisco systems inc.commercialUSNetworking Infrastructureaka cisco systems, cisco
ciscocommercialUSNetworking Infrastructureaka cisco systems, cisco systems inc.

Exploitability

0 exploit sources identified

Exploit details including PoC links, Metasploit modules, and scanner templates are available after registration.

View exploit details
Official Patch Available

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxr-privesc-bF8D5U4W
sec.cloudapps.cisco.com

Timeline

Published
Mar 11, 2026
Last Updated
Mar 12, 2026

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