CVE-2023-20048

What it is

A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute certain unauthorized configuration commands on a Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device that is managed by the FMC Software. This vulnerability is due to insufficient authorization of configuration commands that are sent through the web service interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the FMC web services interface and sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute certain configuration commands on the targeted FTD device. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid credentials on the FMC Software.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

20.9% 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. 2022-10-27 18:47 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2023-11-01 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-06-17 05:29 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 20.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.9 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-11-01 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:29 UTC

Exploit probability

20.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-269 · Improper privilege management

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 6.2.3.18
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 6.4.0.16
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 6.6.7.1
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 6.7.0.3
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 7.0.5
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 7.1.0.3
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 7.2.3.1
• Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center ≤ 7.3.1.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

Low

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

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Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-20048.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20048. 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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