Appsecure logo

CVE-2026-20090: Medium Vulnerability in Cisco IMC

A medium-severity vulnerability has been identified in the web-based management interface of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC). This stored XSS vulnerability could allow authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary scripts. Immediate attention is required to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

MEDIUMCVSS 4.8 · Published April 1, 2026

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

Speak to Experts

A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative privileges to conduct a stored XSS attack against a user of the interface. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of an affected interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the browser of the targeted user or access sensitive, browser-based information.

With a CVSS score of 4.8, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. Organizations using Cisco IMC should be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability, including unauthorized access to sensitive information via stored XSS attacks. As the vulnerability is currently in an 'Awaiting Analysis' status, organizations should remain vigilant and prepared to apply updates or mitigations as they become available.

The urgency for defenders is moderate, given the potential impact of this vulnerability. Organizations should schedule remediation as part of their vulnerability management program.

Monitoring for signs of exploitation and ensuring that users are aware of phishing attempts that could leverage this vulnerability is also recommended.

Vulnerability Details

A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative privileges to conduct a stored XSS attack against a user of the interface. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of an affected interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the browser of the targeted user or access sensitive, browser-based information.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.8, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects a network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and user interaction required for successful exploitation. The impacts on confidentiality and integrity are rated as low, while availability is rated as none.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation (Cross-site Scripting).

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of user input within the Cisco IMC web-based management interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by convincing users to interact with malicious links, triggering the execution of arbitrary scripts within their browsers.

The attack vector is primarily network-based, with low complexity for exploitation. High privileges are necessary for an attacker to initiate a successful attack, and user interaction is required to complete the exploitation process. The vulnerability poses a low risk to confidentiality and integrity but does not affect availability.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information and the execution of arbitrary script code in user browsers. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant if exploited, as it affects any authenticated user interacting with the web interface.

Organizations should prioritize their response to this vulnerability, ensuring that administrative users are aware of the risks and monitoring for suspicious activity. Given the CVSS score of 4.8 and the ongoing analysis status, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their regular patch management processes.

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 by this vulnerability. Organizations should review their Cisco IMC deployments to identify any systems that may be vulnerable.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize applying patches as soon as they are available from Cisco. For immediate risk mitigation, users should be cautious about clicking links within the web-based management interface. Additionally, implementing strict input validation measures can help prevent exploitation.

For further guidance on testing the effectiveness of security measures, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

Monitoring logs for unusual access patterns and changes in user behavior can help organizations detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should review their web application firewall (WAF) configurations to ensure they are effectively filtering malicious input.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

This vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with insufficient input validation in web applications. Security teams should reinforce training around secure coding practices to mitigate similar vulnerabilities. It is also essential to stay updated with the latest security advisories from vendors.

Organizations should adopt a proactive stance, utilizing resources such as vulnerability management programs to better prepare for future threats. Additionally, understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like this one can help organizations strengthen their defense mechanisms.

Finally, organizations should consider adopting continuous security measures, including regular assessments such as penetration testing methodologies, to ensure that their systems are resilient against evolving threats.

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.