Appsecure logo

CVE-2026-20037: Medium Vulnerability in Cisco UCS Manager Software

A medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco UCS Manager Software may allow authenticated local attackers to perform unauthorized actions. Patching is necessary to mitigate risks.

MEDIUMCVSS 4.4 · Published February 25, 2026

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

A vulnerability in the NX-OS CLI privilege levels of Cisco UCS Manager Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with read-only privileges to modify files and perform unauthorized actions on an affected system. This vulnerability exists because unnecessary privileges are given to the user. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to a device as a read-only user and connecting to the NX-OS CLI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to create or overwrite files in the file system or perform limited privileged actions on an affected device.

The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.4, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and potential misuse of system files. Given the increasing complexity of network environments, this vulnerability highlights the need for rigorous access control measures.

Currently, there are no known exploits or public proof of concepts, and the vulnerability status is marked as Deferred. However, organizations should remain vigilant and ensure that their systems are updated with the latest security patches.

Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized modifications to sensitive files, which could impact system integrity and confidentiality. Organizations should assess their environment and implement necessary security controls.

Mitigation efforts should focus on applying patches provided by Cisco and reviewing user privilege levels to ensure they align with the principle of least privilege.

In conclusion, while the immediate threat may seem limited due to the absence of known exploits, organizations should treat this vulnerability with caution and take proactive steps towards remediation.

Vulnerability Details

A vulnerability in the NX-OS CLI privilege levels of Cisco UCS Manager Software allows an authenticated local attacker to perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-250, indicating improper privilege management. The vulnerability was published on February 25, 2026, and is currently marked as Deferred.

Technical Analysis

This vulnerability allows authenticated users to leverage unnecessary privileges, which leads to unauthorized file modifications. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have physical or remote access to the device. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal effort to exploit, given proper access. Privileges required for exploitation are low, as read-only access is sufficient. No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, as it can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of critical files, potentially resulting in system instability. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and take corrective actions to patch their systems promptly. The blast radius could extend to any device running the affected software, and the CVSS score indicates a medium urgency level for remediation.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

All versions prior to vendor patch are affected. Organizations are advised to check for any available updates from Cisco.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Upgrading to the latest version of Cisco UCS Manager Software is essential to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, organizations should review user permissions and restrict unnecessary privileges to limit exposure.

Detection Guidance

Monitor system logs for any unauthorized access attempts and changes to critical files. Implement alerts for unusual file modifications and ensure that access controls are strictly enforced.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege management in software systems. Organizations should regularly review and audit user permissions to ensure that the principle of least privilege is upheld. For further insights into vulnerability management, organizations may find value in our vulnerability management program design. Additionally, adopting a proactive approach through penetration testing methodology can help organizations identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2025-65418HIGH
CVE-2025-65417MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65416MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65415MEDIUM
CVE-2025-61314HIGH

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.