CVE-2023-20216

What it is

A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to incorrect implementation of user role permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a user with the BWORKS or BWSUPERADMIN role and issuing crafted commands on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands beyond the sphere of their intended access level, including initiating installs or running operating system commands with elevated permissions. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of 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. 2023-08-03 22:15 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: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.4 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-08-03 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:29 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-269 · Improper privilege management

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Broadworks Application Delivery Platform < ri.2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Application Server < 23.0.2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Application Server < 2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Application Server < 24.0.2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Database Server < 2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Execution Server < 2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Media Server < 2023.05
• Cisco Broadworks Network Database Server < 2023.05

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

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-2023-20216.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20216. 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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