CVE-2026-76438 in BroadWorks
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2026
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco BroadWorks CommPilot Application Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with low privileges to alter configurations on an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to missing authorization checks. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to alter configurations on select pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2026
The Cisco BroadWorks CommPilot Application Software contains a critical security flaw within its web-based management interface that permits unauthorized modification of system configurations. This vulnerability stems from an insufficient authorization check mechanism, specifically categorized under CWE-862 Missing Authorization in the Common Weakness Enumeration standard. The core technical issue lies in the application's failure to verify whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary privileges for specific administrative actions before processing configuration changes. While the interface correctly requires authentication to access certain pages, it fails to enforce role-based access control (RBAC) policies on subsequent requests that modify system settings. This architectural oversight allows any valid session token, regardless of the associated user's privilege level, to be used to execute privileged operations intended only for high-privilege administrators.
An attacker with low-level privileges can exploit this flaw by crafting specific HTTP requests targeting endpoints responsible for configuration updates. Since the vulnerability relies on missing server-side validation rather than client-side manipulation, the attack does not require complex bypass techniques or session hijacking beyond possessing a valid login credential. The attacker simply needs to send a POST request containing modified parameters that alter critical system configurations. This type of flaw is often associated with insecure direct object references (CWE-639) if specific configuration objects are targeted without proper ownership verification, but the primary classification remains missing authorization checks against role-based permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it undermines the integrity and availability of the Cisco BroadWorks infrastructure. By altering configurations on select pages, an attacker with low privileges can potentially disrupt service delivery, compromise data confidentiality, or create backdoors for further escalation. In a telecommunications environment managed by CommPilot, such configuration changes could lead to call routing errors, billing inaccuracies, or complete service outages affecting end-users. Furthermore, the ability to modify settings without proper oversight violates fundamental security principles regarding least privilege and separation of duties, which are essential in enterprise-grade communication platforms.
From a threat modeling perspective aligned with MITRE ATT&CK techniques, this vulnerability facilitates lateral movement and privilege escalation within the management plane. It aligns with T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages existing low-privilege credentials to perform actions outside their intended scope. The exploitation path is relatively straightforward, requiring only network access to the web interface and a valid user account, which makes it susceptible to automated scanning tools if exposed externally or accessible within an internal network segment that lacks sufficient micro-segmentation.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action should be taken by Cisco to release patches addressing the authorization logic in the CommPilot Application Software. Administrators must ensure they are running a version of the software where these access control checks have been implemented correctly. In the interim, if patching is not immediately feasible, organizations should restrict network access to the management interface using strict firewall rules and virtual private networks (VPNs). Additionally, implementing robust monitoring for anomalous configuration changes can help detect exploitation attempts early. Regular audits of user permissions and adherence to principle of least privilege during account provisioning are also critical preventive measures against such authorization bypass vulnerabilities.