CVE-2026-20294 in Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive information in clear text on an affected system.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient access control enforcement for specific template types that are not included in the encryption allowlist. A low-privileged attacker could exploit this vulnerability by viewing logs on the local system or on a remote logging server. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive authentication credentials, which could lead to further compromise of network infrastructure and connected services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
This vulnerability exists within Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager's web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of sensitive data protection mechanisms. The issue stems from inadequate access control enforcement specifically targeting certain template types that fall outside the encryption allowlist parameters. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the system fails to properly enforce authorization controls for specific data elements. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with low privileges to access confidential information that should remain protected through proper encryption protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when an attacker exploits the insufficient access control mechanisms to view sensitive information in plaintext format. This occurs because certain template types are not properly included in the system's encryption allowlist, creating a gap in the security posture where data remains unencrypted and accessible to unauthorized users. The vulnerability specifically affects the management interface's handling of template data, where authentication credentials and other sensitive information can be retrieved through legitimate access paths that bypass normal encryption controls. This weakness enables attackers to extract plaintext data from both local system logs and remote logging servers, as noted in the original description.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and compromise entire network infrastructures. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain access to sensitive authentication credentials that can be used to further penetrate connected services and network components. This represents a significant threat to network security since the compromised credentials could provide access to additional systems within the SD-WAN environment, potentially enabling lateral movement throughout the network infrastructure. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that it affects a management interface component that typically requires elevated privileges for access. Attackers can leverage their low-privileged status to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive data that should be protected by encryption mechanisms. This creates a situation where the system's built-in security measures fail to properly protect sensitive information, potentially exposing authentication tokens, passwords, and other critical credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design principles where access control enforcement is not comprehensive across all data types within the system. Organizations implementing Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager should consider this weakness as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats that could leverage the extracted credentials to establish long-term access to their network infrastructure. The flaw underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive encryption policies and proper access control enforcement throughout all system components, particularly in management interfaces that handle sensitive operational data.