CVE-2026-20306
Cisco Identity Services Engine Command Injection Vulnerability
Description
A vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco ISE and ISE-PIC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform command injection attacks on the underlying operating system and elevate privileges to root. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid administrative credentials. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device and elevate privileges to root. In single-node deployments, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause the affected ISE node to become unavailable, resulting in a DoS condition. In that condition, endpoints that have not already authenticated would be unable to access the network until the node is restored.
In plain language
AI Act nowThis is a critical flaw in Cisco Identity Services Engine software that lets someone with an administrator account take over the system; typical businesses using it should act now, but no vendor fix is currently listed.
Authenticated remote command injection in the Cisco Identity Services Engine REST API allows an administrator-level attacker to execute operating-system commands and elevate privileges to root.
What to do now
- Check whether your organization runs Cisco Identity Services Engine software and identify who has administrator access to its web management interface.
- There is currently no published fixed version; ask Cisco or your support provider for the supported remediation release and deployment guidance.
- Restrict the management interface to a dedicated administrator network, remove unused administrator accounts, and require strong sign-in protection for remaining administrators.
- Review administrator activity and configuration changes for unexpected commands or new accounts.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
AV:NAttack VectorAC:LAttack ComplexityPR:HPrivileges RequiredUI:NUser InteractionS:CScopeC:HConfidentialityI:HIntegrityA:HAvailabilityWeaknesses
Affected Products
Exploitability
Exploit details including PoC links, Metasploit modules, and scanner templates are available after registration.
View exploit detailsAttack Graph
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MITRE ATT&CK
1 techniqueReferences
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