Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone): Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2026-20094 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) versions: 4.0(2g); 3.1(2i); 3.1(1d), and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) | 4.0(2g); 3.1(2i); 3.1(1d); 4.0(4i); 4.1(1c); 4.0(2c); 4.0(1e); 4.0(2h); and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Cisco Unified Computing System E-Series Software (UCSE) | 3.2.7; 3.2.6; 3.2.4; 3.2.10; 3.2.2; 3.2.3; 2.4.0; 3.2.1; and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Unified Computing System | 3.1\(1d\); 3.1\(2b\); 3.1\(2c\); 3.1\(2d\); 3.1\(2e\); 3.1\(2g\); 3.1\(2i\); 3.1\(3a\); and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Unified Computing System E-series Software | 2.0.0; 2.1.0; 2.2.1; 2.2.2; 2.3.1; 2.3.2; 2.3.3; 2.3.5; and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (cisco.com).
Official description
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with read-only 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.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone)
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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