CVE-2020-27131

CVE-2020-27131 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Security Manager with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 88% places it in the 100th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-502.

Key facts

Description

Multiple vulnerabilities in the Java deserialization function that is used by Cisco Security Manager could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device. These vulnerabilities are due to insecure deserialization of user-supplied content by the affected software. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a malicious serialized Java object to a specific listener on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the device with the privileges of NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM on the Windows target host. Cisco has not released software updates that address these vulnerabilities.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-27131?
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Java deserialization function that is used by Cisco Security Manager could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device. These vulnerabilities are due to insecure deserialization of user-supplied content by the affected software. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a malicious serialized Java object to a specific listener on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the device with the privileges of NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM on the Windows target host. Cisco has not released software updates that address these vulnerabilities.
How severe is CVE-2020-27131?
CVE-2020-27131 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-27131 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 88% (100th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-27131?
CVE-2020-27131 affects Cisco Security Manager. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-27131?
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-2020-27131 published?
CVE-2020-27131 was published on 2020-11-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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