How severe is CVE-2016-9212?

CVE-2016-9212 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-2016-9212 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-9212?

CVE-2016-9212 primarily affects Cisco Web Security Appliance. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-9212?

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-2016-9212 published?

CVE-2016-9212 was published on 2016-12-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-9212

CVE-2016-9212 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (85th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Cisco Web Security Appliance
Published: 2016-12-14
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A vulnerability in the Decrypt for End-User Notification configuration parameter of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Web Security Appliances could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to connect to a secure website over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS), even if the WSA is configured to block connections to the website. Affected Products: This vulnerability affects Cisco Web Security Appliances if the HTTPS decryption options are enabled and configured for the device to block connections to certain websites. More Information: CSCvb49012. Known Affected Releases: 9.0.1-162 9.1.1-074.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-9212?: A vulnerability in the Decrypt for End-User Notification configuration parameter of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Web Security Appliances could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to connect to a secure website over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS), even if the WSA is configured to block connections to the website. Affected Products: This vulnerability affects Cisco Web Security Appliances if the HTTPS decryption options are enabled and configured for the device to block connections to certain websites. More Information: CSCvb49012. Known Affected Releases: 9.0.1-162 9.1.1-074.
How severe is CVE-2016-9212?: CVE-2016-9212 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-2016-9212 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-9212?: CVE-2016-9212 primarily affects Cisco Web Security Appliance. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-9212?: 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-2016-9212 published?: CVE-2016-9212 was published on 2016-12-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:cisco:web_security_appliance:9.0.1-162:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:web_security_appliance:9.1.1-074:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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