CVE-2019-12700

What it is

A vulnerability in the configuration of the Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM) used in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software, Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software, and Cisco FXOS Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is due to improper resource management in the context of user session management. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to an affected system and performing many simultaneous successful Secure Shell (SSH) logins. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to exhaust system resources and cause the device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs valid user credentials on the system.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2019-10-02 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-08-11 19:37 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-10-02 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-08-11 19:37 UTC

Exploit probability

1.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-400 · Uncontrolled resource consumption

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Firepower 9300 Firmware r114
• Cisco Firepower 9300 Firmware r241
• Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System ≤ 2.2
• Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System < 2.3.1.155
• Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System < 2.6.1.131
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 6.1.0
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center < 6.2.3.14
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense ≤ 6.1.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

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