CVE-2023-20048

CVE-2023-20048 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.9. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 16% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-863.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute certain unauthorized configuration commands on a Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device that is managed by the FMC Software. This vulnerability is due to insufficient authorization of configuration commands that are sent through the web service interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the FMC web services interface and sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute certain configuration commands on the targeted FTD device. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid credentials on the FMC Software.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20048?
A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute certain unauthorized configuration commands on a Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device that is managed by the FMC Software. This vulnerability is due to insufficient authorization of configuration commands that are sent through the web service interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the FMC web services interface and sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute certain configuration commands on the targeted FTD device. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid credentials on the FMC Software.
How severe is CVE-2023-20048?
CVE-2023-20048 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.9, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity low, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-20048 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 16% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-20048?
CVE-2023-20048 affects Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20048?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-20048 published?
CVE-2023-20048 was published on 2023-11-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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