CVE-2026-20079
CVE-2026-20079 is a critical-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 34% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-288.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 10.0)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 34% (98th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-9438
- Weakness: CWE-288
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is due to an improper system process that is created at boot time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute a variety of scripts and commands that allow root access to the device.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-20079?
- A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is due to an improper system process that is created at boot time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute a variety of scripts and commands that allow root access to the device.
- How severe is CVE-2026-20079?
- CVE-2026-20079 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 10.0, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2026-20079 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 34% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-20079?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2026-20079 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2026-20079 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-9438.
- When was CVE-2026-20079 published?
- CVE-2026-20079 was published on 2026-03-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Other CWE-288 vulnerabilities
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