A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with admin-level privileges to perform command injection attacks on an affected system and execute arbitrary commands as the root user. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user. Cisco has assigned this vulnerability a Security Impact Rating (SIR) of High, rather than Medium as the score indicates, because additional security implications could occur once the attacker has become root.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations using Cisco IMC should be aware of the risks associated with this vulnerability, as exploitation could lead to significant security breaches and unauthorized access to critical systems. The urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability is high, considering the potential for attackers to gain root access, thus compromising the entire system.
At this time, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept code available for this vulnerability. However, organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any updates or patches from Cisco that may mitigate this issue.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to avoid potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77, indicating it is related to command injection. It affects the web-based management interface of the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) and can be exploited by authenticated users with admin-level privileges. The vulnerability was published on April 1, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper validation of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands. The attack vector is network-based, with a low attack complexity. It requires high privileges, meaning that only authenticated users can exploit it, and does not require user interaction. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is high, suggesting that the attacker can read and modify sensitive data. The availability impact is none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive systems, leading to significant data breaches or system manipulation. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its command injection nature, which can enable attackers to escalate privileges to root. This could result in a blast radius that affects not only the compromised system but could also lead to lateral movement within the network, increasing the risk to other connected systems.
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.
Mitigation & Remediation
Cisco has not yet provided a patch for this vulnerability. Organizations are encouraged to monitor Cisco's advisory page for updates and apply any necessary patches as soon as they become available. To reduce exposure, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the management interface and restrict the use of admin-level privileges.
For more information, organizations should refer to the penetration testing services to evaluate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual command executions and unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies related to the web management interface should be flagged for further investigation. Regular audits of user privileges can also help in identifying potential misuse.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for rigorous input validation in web interfaces. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in patching and monitoring their systems. For organizations looking to enhance their security measures, consider reviewing best practices in penetration testing methodology and investing in vulnerability management programs to address similar risks in the future.
Additionally, organizations should consider engaging in red teaming exercises to simulate attacks and better prepare their defenses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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