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.
The severity of this vulnerability is categorized as high, with a CVSS score of 8.8. This score indicates significant risk, as it allows an attacker to potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system. Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive configurations, potentially leading to further exploitation or data breaches.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, its presence in the system mandates immediate attention and prioritization for patching to prevent any unauthorized access.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this vulnerability and protect their networks from potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows an authenticated local attacker to elevate privileges due to incorrect command mapping in Cisco IOS XR Software. It was published on March 11, 2026, and is classified under CWE-264.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the incorrect mapping of a CLI command to task groups, which allows for privilege escalation. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, and privileges required are also low, making it easier for an attacker to perform an exploit without extensive preparation.
User interaction is not required, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using affected Cisco IOS XR devices.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk includes unauthorized access to sensitive tasks and configurations, enabling an attacker to manipulate system settings or exfiltrate confidential data. The blast radius potential is substantial, given that a successful exploit can lead to further attacks within the network.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately due to the high CVSS score and potential for exploitation. The urgency is underscored by the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
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 updates from Cisco to address this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the necessary updates from Cisco to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, consider implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual CLI command usage as a temporary workaround. Additionally, organizations should engage in regular security assessments and consider penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indications of unauthorized access attempts, especially focusing on the use of CLI commands that could bypass task group checks. Look for behavioral anomalies such as unusual privilege escalation requests and ensure that network access controls are in place to limit access to critical systems.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. It represents a trend where misconfigurations in privilege management can lead to severe security risks. Security teams should take this as a lesson to implement robust privilege management policies and regularly review command mappings to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
For further insights, organizations are encouraged to explore resources on vulnerability management as well as engage in penetration testing methodologies to strengthen their defenses.
Finally, organizations should consider the implementation of API security testing to identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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