CVE-2024-20397

CVE-2024-20397 is a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.2. 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-284.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the bootloader of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to an affected device, or an authenticated, local attacker with administrative credentials, to bypass NX-OS image signature verification.  This vulnerability is due to insecure bootloader settings. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by executing a series of bootloader commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass NX-OS image signature verification and load unverified software.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-20397?
A vulnerability in the bootloader of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to an affected device, or an authenticated, local attacker with administrative credentials, to bypass NX-OS image signature verification.  This vulnerability is due to insecure bootloader settings. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by executing a series of bootloader commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass NX-OS image signature verification and load unverified software.
How severe is CVE-2024-20397?
CVE-2024-20397 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.2, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over physical access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2024-20397 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2024-20397?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2024-20397 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-20397 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-18112.
When was CVE-2024-20397 published?
CVE-2024-20397 was published on 2024-12-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Other CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) vulnerabilities

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