CVE-2023-20193

What it is

A vulnerability in the Embedded Service Router (ESR) of Cisco ISE could allow an authenticated, local attacker to read, write, or delete arbitrary files on the underlying operating system and escalate their privileges to root. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have valid Administrator-level privileges on the affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper privilege management in the ESR console. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate their privileges to root and read, write, or delete arbitrary files from the underlying operating system of the affected device. Note: The ESR is not enabled by default and must be licensed. To verify the status of the ESR in the Admin GUI, choose Administration > Settings > Protocols > IPSec.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-09-07 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-21 13:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-09-07 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-21 13:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Cisco Identity Services Engine ≤ 2.7
• Cisco Identity Services Engine ≤ 3.3.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None

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-2023-20193.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20193. 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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