CVE-2023-20089

What it is

A vulnerability in the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) feature for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Fabric Switches in Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) Mode could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to cause a memory leak, which could result in an unexpected reload of the device. This vulnerability is due to incorrect error checking when parsing ingress LLDP packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a steady stream of crafted LLDP packets to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a memory leak, which could result in a denial of service (DoS) condition when the device unexpectedly reloads. Note: This vulnerability cannot be exploited by transit traffic through the device. The crafted LLDP packet must be targeted to a directly connected interface, and the attacker must be in the same broadcast domain as the affected device (Layer 2 adjacent). In addition, the attack surface for this vulnerability can be reduced by disabling LLDP on interfaces where it is not required.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited from the same network segment without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-02-23 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 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: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.4 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-02-23 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:29 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-789

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(1g\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(2e\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(2f\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(2g\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(2h\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(3e\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(3f\)
• Cisco nx-os 15.2\(3g\)

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.4

Attack vector

Adjacent network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

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.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-20089.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20089. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge