CVE-2022-20649

CVE-2022-20649 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 12% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-489.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in Cisco RCM for Cisco StarOS Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform remote code execution on the application with root-level privileges in the context of the configured container. This vulnerability exists because the debug mode is incorrectly enabled for specific services. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to the device and navigating to the service with debug mode enabled. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user. The attacker would need to perform detailed reconnaissance to allow for unauthenticated access. The vulnerability can also be exploited by an authenticated attacker. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-20649?
A vulnerability in Cisco RCM for Cisco StarOS Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform remote code execution on the application with root-level privileges in the context of the configured container. This vulnerability exists because the debug mode is incorrectly enabled for specific services. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to the device and navigating to the service with debug mode enabled. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user. The attacker would need to perform detailed reconnaissance to allow for unauthenticated access. The vulnerability can also be exploited by an authenticated attacker. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
How severe is CVE-2022-20649?
CVE-2022-20649 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-2022-20649 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2022-20649?
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.
Does CVE-2022-20649 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2022-20649 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2022-25899.
When was CVE-2022-20649 published?
CVE-2022-20649 was published on 2024-11-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

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