CVE-2024-20456

CVE-2024-20456 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Ios Xr with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7. 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-732.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load unverified software on an affected device. To exploit this successfully, the attacker must have root-system privileges on the affected device. This vulnerability is due to an error in the software build process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the system’s configuration options to bypass some of the integrity checks that are performed during the booting process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to control the boot configuration, which could enable them to bypass of the requirement to run Cisco signed images or alter the security properties of the running system.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-20456?
A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load unverified software on an affected device. To exploit this successfully, the attacker must have root-system privileges on the affected device. This vulnerability is due to an error in the software build process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the system’s configuration options to bypass some of the integrity checks that are performed during the booting process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to control the boot configuration, which could enable them to bypass of the requirement to run Cisco signed images or alter the security properties of the running system.
How severe is CVE-2024-20456?
CVE-2024-20456 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7, 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 high.
Is CVE-2024-20456 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (9th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-20456?
CVE-2024-20456 affects Cisco Ios Xr. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-20456?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2024-20456 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-20456 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-18171.
When was CVE-2024-20456 published?
CVE-2024-20456 was published on 2024-07-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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