CVE-2023-20198: Cisco IOS XE Web UI Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2023-20198 · Severity: critical · CVSS 10 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2023-10-16

A privilege escalation vulnerability in the Cisco IOS XE Web UI allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to create a local account with privilege level 15 access. This initial access can be leveraged to gain full control of the affected device. The vulnerability has been observed being exploited in the wild in conjunction with CVE-2023-20273 to install a persistent implant.

Vendors: Cisco.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2023-20198 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2023-20198 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 16 October 2023. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2023-20198?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 10, published 16 October 2023.
Which products and versions are affected?
Cisco IOS XE All versions with Web UI enabled; Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Stratix 5200 firmware versions up to (excluding) 17.12.02; Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Stratix 5800 firmware versions up to (excluding) 17.12.02.
Is there a fix for CVE-2023-20198?
No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.
How is CVE-2023-20198 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-20198?
Check whether you run Cisco IOS XE Web UI. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Affected products

  • Cisco IOS XE All versions with Web UI enabled
  • Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Stratix 5200 firmware versions up to (excluding) 17.12.02
  • Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Stratix 5800 firmware versions up to (excluding) 17.12.02

Timeline

  • 2023-10-16: disclosed: Initial disclosure and publication date
  • 2023-10-16: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
  • 2023-10-16: exploited: Observed active exploitation in the wild reported by Cisco

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