CVE-2026-20285: Cisco Identity Services Engine Authorization Bypass Vulnerability
Advisory generated from the CVE record, CISA, Exploit Observer and VEDAS: what it is, whether it is exploited, who is affected, and how to fix and detect it.
Generated by VEDAS. Scores as of 2026-11-11 15:49 UTC. Rebuilt every few hours from cve-scores, CISA KEV and vedas-signatures. How this works and its limits.
What it is
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to modify parts of the configuration on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to the lack of server-side validation of Administrator permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted HTTP request to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify descriptions of files on a specific page. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid Administrator credentials.
Description quoted from the CVE record (assigned by cisco, published 2026-09-16).
Weakness: Improper Authorization
How it can be exploited
Exploitable over the network with low attack complexity needing low privileges and no user interaction. Impact: confidentiality none, integrity low, availability none. CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
CISA assessment (SSVC): CISA has no evidence of exploitation. Automatable: no. Technical impact: partial.
Public exploit evidence (Exploit Observer)
Exploit Observer has no public exploit code naming this CVE. Check Exploit Observer for anything new.
Live scores
- EPSS
- 0.005
low predicted chance of attack - VEDAS
- 0.048
little exploit evidence - On CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Detection rule
- No public rule yet
Who is affected
| Product | Affected | Not affected |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Identity Services Engine Software | version 3.1.0 version 3.1.0 p1 version 3.1.0 p3 version 3.1.0 p2 version 3.2.0 version 3.1.0 p4 version 3.1.0 p5 version 3.2.0 p1 and 40 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector | version 3.2.0 version 3.1.0 version 3.3.0 version 3.4.0 version 3.5.0 | Not stated |
Version ranges exactly as the CVE record states them. “Before X” means X is the first fixed version.
How to fix it
No fixed version or vendor advisory is listed in the CVE record yet. Watch the vendor’s security page.
How to detect it
There is no open VEDAS detection rule for this bug yet. It is listed on the detection gaps page if CISA has confirmed attacks.
Advisories on this CVE
References
Other references
Other databases
Where this comes from
This advisory is generated automatically by VEDAS from: CVE.org record, cve-scores (EPSS and VEDAS), Exploit Observer. Text in quotes is reproduced from the source; everything else is a fixed template filled with source fields. Nothing here is written by a language model. Check the vendor advisory before acting, and read how VEDAS and Exploit Observer work, and their limits.
Supporting partners
