CVE-2023-20273

What it is

A vulnerability in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to inject commands with the privileges of root. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted input to the web UI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to inject commands to the underlying operating system with root privileges.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

In the wild

CISA lists this as exploited in real attacks. Treat as urgent.

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. 2023-10-23 Exploited in the wildAdded to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
3. 2023-10-25 18:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
4. 2023-10-27 Remediation deadlineCISA's due date for federal agencies to fix it
5. 2026-06-17 05:30 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: yes, CISA lists it. This puts it above everything that is not.
• Exploit odds: 92.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-10-25 18:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:30 UTC

Added to CISA KEV

2023-10-23

Exploit probability

92.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Cisco iOS Xe 16.1.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.1.2
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.1.3
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.2.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.2.2
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.3.1a
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.3.2
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.3.3

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.2

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

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-2023-20273.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-20273. 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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