CVE-2023-20186

What it is

A vulnerability in the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to bypass command authorization and copy files to or from the file system of an affected device using the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP). This vulnerability is due to incorrect processing of SCP commands in AAA command authorization checks. An attacker with valid credentials and level 15 privileges could exploit this vulnerability by using SCP to connect to an affected device from an external machine. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain or change the configuration of the affected device and put files on or retrieve files from the affected device.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-09-27 18:15 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: 0.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-09-27 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:29 UTC

Exploit probability

0.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-285

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)ex
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)ey
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)ey1
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)ey2
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)ez
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)se
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)se1
• Cisco iOS 12.2\(58\)se2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

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-2023-20186.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20186. 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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