A vulnerability in the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) server feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with low privileges to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper handling of a malformed SCP request. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by issuing a crafted command through SSH. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a DoS condition.
The severity level of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 6.5. This score indicates a moderate risk to organizations, as the issue could lead to significant disruptions in services if exploited. Organizations using Cisco IOS XE Software should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and take appropriate action.
As of now, the exploitation status is awaiting analysis, and there are no confirmed public exploits available. However, the potential for local authenticated attackers to cause a denial of service underscores the importance of monitoring and remediation efforts.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Implementing necessary security measures can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2026-20083 is a vulnerability in the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) server feature of Cisco IOS XE Software. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of malformed SCP requests, allowing local authenticated attackers with low privileges to trigger a denial of service condition.
The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 6.5, which falls into the medium severity category. The CVSS vector indicates that the attack vector is local, attack complexity is low, and the attacker requires low privileges. The availability impact is high, as successful exploitation could lead to unexpected device reloads.
The vulnerability was published on March 25, 2026, and is classified under CWE-235. Organizations utilizing Cisco IOS XE Software should review their systems and apply any necessary updates.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-20083 is the improper handling of malformed SCP requests. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability by issuing crafted commands through SSH, which could lead to a denial of service condition. The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker needs to have local access to the affected device. The attack complexity is low, indicating that exploitation can be achieved with minimal effort.
The privilege required to exploit this vulnerability is low, and no user interaction is needed. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is none; however, the availability impact is high, as it could cause the device to reload unexpectedly.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential service disruptions due to unexpected device reloads. This vulnerability could be exploited by local authenticated users, which increases the risk in environments where such access is not strictly controlled. The blast radius potential is limited to affected devices, but the impact on operational continuity can be significant.
With a medium CVSS score, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The low EPSS score signifies a lower likelihood of exploitation, but organizations should remain vigilant and apply patches as they become available.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Specific version information is currently not available. Organizations should consider all versions prior to vendor patch as potentially vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2026-20083, organizations should monitor for updates from Cisco regarding patches and vulnerability remediation. It is advisable to apply patches promptly when they become available. Additionally, implementing configuration hardening can help reduce the attack surface.
For organizations looking to enhance their security posture, engaging in penetration testing can identify vulnerabilities and ensure that systems are resilient against attacks.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, particularly unusual SCP requests. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected device reloads, should also be flagged for further investigation. Monitoring network traffic for abnormal patterns related to SCP usage can provide early detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-20083 highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face in securing their infrastructure against local attacks. As vulnerabilities like this emerge, security teams must be vigilant in monitoring, assessing, and remediating potential risks. The low EPSS score indicates a lower likelihood of exploitation, but proactive measures should not be overlooked.
To build a robust security framework, organizations should consider vulnerability management programs that incorporate continuous monitoring and incident response planning.
Investing in penetration testing methodologies can also enhance the organization's ability to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Security teams should analyze trends in vulnerabilities, such as those identified in CVE-2026-20083, to adapt their defenses and strategies accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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