RCE in Cisco iOS Xe Software

CVE-2020-3417

A vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute persistent code at boot time and break the chain of trust. This vulnerability is due to incorrect validations by boot scripts when specific ROM monitor (ROMMON) variables are set. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing code to a specific directory in the underlying operating system (OS) and setting a specific ROMMON variable. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute persistent code on the underlying OS. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need access to the root shell on the device or have physical access to the device.

Vulnerability class: Command Injection (OS Command Injection)

EPSS: 0.004 (28.4th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 6.8 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-3417?
CVE-2020-3417 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco iOS Xe Software, classified under OS Command Injection. CVSS score: 6.8/10. Published 2020-09-24.
How severe is CVE-2020-3417?
Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.8 out of 10.