How severe is CVE-2026-20046?

CVE-2026-20046 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-20046 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-20046?

CVE-2026-20046 affects Cisco Ios Xr. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20046?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2026-20046 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-20046 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-11216.

When was CVE-2026-20046 published?

CVE-2026-20046 was published on 2026-03-11 and last updated on 2026-07-01.

CVE-2026-20046

CVE-2026-20046 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Ios Xr with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (3rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-11216
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Cisco Ios Xr
Published: 2026-03-11
Last modified: 2026-07-01

Description

A vulnerability in task group assignment for a specific CLI command in Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges and gain full administrative control of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to incorrect mapping of a command to task groups within the source code. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using the CLI command to bypass the task group–based checks. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges and perform actions on an affected device without authorization checks.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-20046?: A vulnerability in task group assignment for a specific CLI command in Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges and gain full administrative control of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to incorrect mapping of a command to task groups within the source code. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using the CLI command to bypass the task group–based checks. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges and perform actions on an affected device without authorization checks.
How severe is CVE-2026-20046?: CVE-2026-20046 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-20046 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-20046?: CVE-2026-20046 affects Cisco Ios Xr. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20046?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-20046 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-20046 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-11216.
When was CVE-2026-20046 published?: CVE-2026-20046 was published on 2026-03-11 and last updated on 2026-07-01.

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxr-privesc-bF8D5U4W

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:cisco:ios_xr:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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