CVE-2022-20759

CVE-2022-20759 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 28% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the web services interface for remote access VPN features of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an authenticated, but unprivileged, remote attacker to elevate privileges to level 15. This vulnerability is due to improper separation of authentication and authorization scopes. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTPS messages to the web services interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain privilege level 15 access to the web management interface of the device. This includes privilege level 15 access to the device using management tools like the Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM) or the Cisco Security Manager (CSM). Note: With Cisco FTD Software, the impact is lower than the CVSS score suggests because the affected web management interface allows for read access only.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-20759?
A vulnerability in the web services interface for remote access VPN features of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an authenticated, but unprivileged, remote attacker to elevate privileges to level 15. This vulnerability is due to improper separation of authentication and authorization scopes. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTPS messages to the web services interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain privilege level 15 access to the web management interface of the device. This includes privilege level 15 access to the device using management tools like the Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM) or the Cisco Security Manager (CSM). Note: With Cisco FTD Software, the impact is lower than the CVSS score suggests because the affected web management interface allows for read access only.
How severe is CVE-2022-20759?
CVE-2022-20759 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-20759 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 28% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-20759?
CVE-2022-20759 primarily affects Cisco Firepower Threat Defense. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-20759?
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-2022-20759 published?
CVE-2022-20759 was published on 2022-05-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

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