CVE-2023-20163

CVE-2023-20163 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. 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-78.

Key facts

• Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.5)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (64th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-78
• Affected product: Cisco Identity Services Engine
• Published: 2023-05-18
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated attacker to perform command injection attacks on the underlying operating system and elevate privileges to root. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker must have valid credentials on an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20163?

Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated attacker to perform command injection attacks on the underlying operating system and elevate privileges to root. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker must have valid credentials on an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.

How severe is CVE-2023-20163?

CVE-2023-20163 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2023-20163 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (64th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-20163?

CVE-2023-20163 primarily affects Cisco Identity Services Engine. In total, 17 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20163?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2023-20163 published?

CVE-2023-20163 was published on 2023-05-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ise-injection-sRQnsEU9

Affected products (17)

• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch3:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch4:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch5:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch6:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.0.0:patch7:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:patch3:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:patch4:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:patch5:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.1:patch6:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.2:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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