Vulnerability identifier: #VU82065

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 9.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-20198

CWE-ID: CWE-269

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Cisco IOS XE
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor:

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise the affected system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper privilege management in the web UI feature. A remote non-authenticated attacker can send a specially crafted HTTP request to the affected device and create an account with privilege level 15 access.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

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External links
http://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCwh87343
http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z
http://www.horizon3.ai/cisco-ios-xe-cve-2023-20198-theory-crafting/
http://www.horizon3.ai/cisco-ios-xe-cve-2023-20198-deep-dive-and-poc/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.