CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-20151NVD status: Analyzed

Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem: Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data

CVE-2026-20151 is a high-severity insertion of sensitive information into sent data vulnerability in Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem versions: 7-202001; 8-202004; 8-202006, 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 0.27% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Smart Software Manager On-prem to 9-202601 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
CiscoCisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem7-202001; 8-202004; 8-202006; 8-202012; 8-202010; 8-202008; 9-202201; 8-202102; and 21 more rangesNot stated
CiscoSmart Software Manager On-prembefore 9-2026019-202601

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
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
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
NoneAvailability is not affected.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (cisco.com).

Official description

A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to the improper transmission of sensitive user information. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted message to an affected Cisco SSM On-Prem host and retrieving session credentials from subsequent status messages. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system from low to administrative. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid credentials for a user account with at least the role of System User. Note: This vulnerability exposes information only about users who logged in to the Cisco SSM On-Prem host using the web interface and who are currently logged in. SSH sessions are not affected.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data

The code transmits data to another actor, but a portion of the data includes sensitive information that should not be accessible to that actor.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Specify which data in the software should be regarded as sensitive. Consider which types of users should have access to which types of data.
  • Ensure that any possibly sensitive data specified in the requirements is verified with designers to ensure that it is either a calculated risk or mitigated elsewhere. Any information that is not necessary to the functionality should be removed in order to lower both the overhead and the possibility of security sensitive data being sent.
  • Setup default error messages so that unexpected errors do not disclose sensitive information.

More Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data vulnerabilities (CWE-201)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem

All Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem vulnerabilities

Recent Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data vulnerabilities

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