How severe is CVE-2016-1296?

CVE-2016-1296 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2016-1296 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-1296?

CVE-2016-1296 primarily affects Cisco Web Security Appliance. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-1296?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2016-1296 published?

CVE-2016-1296 was published on 2016-01-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-1296

CVE-2016-1296 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Web Security Appliance with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-254.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (79th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-254
Affected product: Cisco Web Security Appliance
Published: 2016-01-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The proxy engine on Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) devices with software 8.5.3-055, 9.1.0-000, and 9.5.0-235 allows remote attackers to bypass intended proxy restrictions via a malformed HTTP method, aka Bug ID CSCux00848.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-1296?: The proxy engine on Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) devices with software 8.5.3-055, 9.1.0-000, and 9.5.0-235 allows remote attackers to bypass intended proxy restrictions via a malformed HTTP method, aka Bug ID CSCux00848.
How severe is CVE-2016-1296?: CVE-2016-1296 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-1296 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-1296?: CVE-2016-1296 primarily affects Cisco Web Security Appliance. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-1296?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2016-1296 published?: CVE-2016-1296 was published on 2016-01-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:cisco:web_security_appliance:8.5.3-055:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:web_security_appliance:9.1.0-000:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:web_security_appliance:9.5.0-235:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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