Cisco Smart License Utility 2.0.0/2.1.0/2.2.0 backdoor

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Cisco Smart License Utility 2.0.0/2.1.0/2.2.0. Affected is an unknown function. The manipulation results in backdoor. This vulnerability was named CVE-2024-20439. The attack may be performed from remote. In addition, an exploit is available. Upgrading the affected component is advised.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as very critical, was found in Cisco Smart License Utility 2.0.0/2.1.0/2.2.0. Affected is an unknown function. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a backdoor vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-912. The product contains functionality that is not documented, not part of the specification, and not accessible through an interface or command sequence that is obvious to the product's users or administrators. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

A vulnerability in Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to log into an affected system by using a static administrative credential. This vulnerability is due to an undocumented static user credential for an administrative account. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using the static credentials to login to the affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to login to the affected system with administrative rights over the CSLU application API.

The advisory is shared for download at sec.cloudapps.cisco.com. This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2024-20439 since 11/08/2023. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploitation doesn't require any form of authentication. Technical details are unknown but an exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 10/28/2025). The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1588.001.

It is declared as attacked. This issue was added on 03/31/2025 to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog with a due date of 04/21/2025:

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability.

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Vendor

• Cisco

Name

• Smart License Utility

Version

• 2.0.0
• 2.1.0
• 2.2.0

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.cisco.com/

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