CVE-2024-20399

CVE-2024-20399 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Nx-os with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.0. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2024-07-02). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated user in possession of Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of arguments that are passed to specific configuration CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input as the argument of an affected configuration CLI command. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of root. Note: To successfully exploit this vulnerability on a Cisco NX-OS device, an attacker must have Administrator credentials. The following Cisco devices already allow administrative users to access the underlying operating system through the bash-shell feature, so, for these devices, this vulnerability does not grant any additional privileges: Nexus 3000 Series Switches Nexus 7000 Series Switches that are running Cisco NX-OS Software releases 8.1(1) and later Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-20399?
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated user in possession of Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of arguments that are passed to specific configuration CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input as the argument of an affected configuration CLI command. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of root. Note: To successfully exploit this vulnerability on a Cisco NX-OS device, an attacker must have Administrator credentials. The following Cisco devices already allow administrative users to access the underlying operating system through the bash-shell feature, so, for these devices, this vulnerability does not grant any additional privileges: Nexus 3000 Series Switches Nexus 7000 Series Switches that are running Cisco NX-OS Software releases 8.1(1) and later Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode
How severe is CVE-2024-20399?
CVE-2024-20399 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2024-20399 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2024-20399 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2024-07-02, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-20399?
CVE-2024-20399 primarily affects Cisco Nx-os. In total, 262 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-20399?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2024-20399 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-20399 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-18114. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2024-07-02).
When was CVE-2024-20399 published?
CVE-2024-20399 was published on 2024-07-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (262)

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