CVE-2026-20288 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with Admin privileges to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of an affected system and elevate privileges to root.
This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by entering crafted inputs 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 SIR of High rather than Medium as the score indicates because additional security implications could occur when the attacker becomes root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
This vulnerability exists within Cisco's Integrated Management Controller (IMC) web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote code execution with root privileges. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the administrative web portal, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted user inputs. The vulnerability affects systems where Cisco IMC is deployed, potentially compromising entire server infrastructures through this management interface.
The technical exploitation occurs when an authenticated attacker with admin-level privileges submits malicious input parameters to the web interface. This flaw allows for command injection attacks that bypass normal security controls, enabling arbitrary code execution on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's severity classification as High reflects the potential for complete system compromise, as successful exploitation results in root-level access rather than mere administrative privileges. This elevation of privilege represents a significant escalation that could enable attackers to fully control affected systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to enterprise environments where Cisco IMC is utilized for server management and monitoring. Organizations may face unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components, potential data breaches, and complete system takeover scenarios. The remote nature of the attack means that authenticated adversaries with administrative credentials can exploit this flaw from anywhere within network reach, making it particularly dangerous in environments with weak network segmentation or compromised admin accounts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically addressing command injection flaws and improper input validation issues. It maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Cisco's security patches, restricting administrative access through network segmentation, implementing strong authentication controls, and monitoring for suspicious activities in management interfaces. Additionally, regular security assessments of web-based management systems and comprehensive network monitoring are essential to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Organizations must prioritize remediation efforts as this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise with minimal effort from attackers. The high severity classification underscores the need for immediate action, particularly in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or where network access controls are insufficient. Regular security updates and proactive monitoring remain critical defense mechanisms against such exploitation vectors.