CVE-2023-20273
A permanent, source-backed tracker page. Values are shown only when returned; explicit gaps and read failures remain different states.
What it is
ReportedCisco IOS XE contains a command injection vulnerability in the web user interface. When chained with CVE-2023-20198, the attacker can leverage the new local user to elevate privilege to root and write the implant to the file system. Cisco identified CVE-2023-20273 as the vulnerability exploited to deploy the implant. CVE-2021-1435, previously associated with the exploitation events, is no longer believed to be related to this activity. Source description excerpt; complete tracked detail loads below.
NVD published: Oct 25, 2023 · Source record updated: Aug 8, 2026 · Tracker snapshot: Aug 8, 2026
What is affected
ReportedCisco — Cisco IOS XE Web UI. Product-level identification only; no affected-version conclusion is available from this field.
NVD published: Oct 25, 2023 · Source record updated: Aug 8, 2026 · Tracker snapshot: Aug 8, 2026
Urgency and basis
ReportedAct · 461.6
Tracker decision tier from the evidence detailed below · Source record updated: Aug 8, 2026 · Tracker snapshot: Aug 8, 2026
Exploitation evidence
Reportedkev-listed · CISA KEV · VulnCheck KEV · ENISA exploited-vulnerability catalog
Active since: Oct 23, 2023 · CISA KEV added: Oct 23, 2023 · VulnCheck KEV added: Oct 16, 2023 · ENISA added: Oct 23, 2023 · Source record updated: Aug 8, 2026 · Tracker snapshot: Aug 8, 2026
What to do
ReportedVerify that instances of Cisco IOS XE Web UI are in compliance with BOD 23-02 and apply mitigations per vendor instructions. For affected products (Cisco IOS XE Web UI exposed to the internet or to untrusted networks), follow vendor instructions to determine if a system may have been compromised and immediately report positive findings to CISA.
Source remediation ↗Tracked source remediation field · Source record updated: Aug 8, 2026 · Tracker snapshot: Aug 8, 2026
Evidence detail
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