CVE-2022-20759

What it is

A vulnerability in the web services interface for remote access VPN features of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an authenticated, but unprivileged, remote attacker to elevate privileges to level 15. This vulnerability is due to improper separation of authentication and authorization scopes. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTPS messages to the web services interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain privilege level 15 access to the web management interface of the device. This includes privilege level 15 access to the device using management tools like the Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM) or the Cisco Security Manager (CSM). Note: With Cisco FTD Software, the impact is lower than the CVSS score suggests because the affected web management interface allows for read access only.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

28.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2022-05-03 04:15 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: 28.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2022-05-03 04:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-08-11 19:37 UTC

Exploit probability

28.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-266

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 6.4.0.15
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 6.6.5.2
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense < 7.0.2
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 7.1.0
• Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software < 9.12.4.38
• Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software < 9.14.4
• Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software < 9.15.1.21
• Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software < 9.16.2.14

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2022-20759.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2022-20759. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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