CVE-2023-20198 Cisco IOS XE Web UI: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Oct 20, 2023
What to do
- Install Cisco's security update for IOS XE Web UI. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Cisco IOS XE Web UI Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS XE Web UI
- CISA description
- Cisco IOS XE Web UI contains a privilege escalation vulnerability in the web user interface that could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to create an account with privilege level 15 access. The attacker can then use that account to gain control of the affected device.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-420)
- Confirmed exploited
- Oct 16, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Oct 20, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-20198 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-20198
Is CVE-2023-20198 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-20198 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Oct 16, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20198?
Install Cisco's security update for IOS XE Web UI. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-20198?
Only if you use Cisco IOS XE Web UI. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.