CVE-2024-20265
CVE-2024-20265 is a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.9. 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-501.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.9)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (16th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2024-17980
- Weakness: CWE-501
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco Access Point (AP) Software could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load a software image that has been tampered with on an affected device. This vulnerability exists because unnecessary commands are available during boot time at the physical console. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by interrupting the boot process and executing specific commands to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot validation checks and load an image that has been tampered with. This image would have been previously downloaded onto the targeted device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to load the image once. The Cisco Secure Boot functionality is not permanently compromised.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-20265?
- A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco Access Point (AP) Software could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load a software image that has been tampered with on an affected device. This vulnerability exists because unnecessary commands are available during boot time at the physical console. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by interrupting the boot process and executing specific commands to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot validation checks and load an image that has been tampered with. This image would have been previously downloaded onto the targeted device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to load the image once. The Cisco Secure Boot functionality is not permanently compromised.
- How severe is CVE-2024-20265?
- CVE-2024-20265 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.9, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over physical access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2024-20265 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2024-20265?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2024-20265 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2024-20265 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-17980.
- When was CVE-2024-20265 published?
- CVE-2024-20265 was published on 2024-03-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
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