CVE-2023-20009
6.5 · MEDIUMOverview
CVE-2023-20009 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting cisco email_security_appliance. It was published on March 1, 2023 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 (MEDIUM).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, rated MEDIUM. It can be exploited remotely over the network. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
Technical Description
A vulnerability in the Web UI and administrative CLI of the Cisco Secure Email Gateway (ESA) and Cisco Secure Email and Web Manager (SMA) could allow an authenticated remote attacker and or authenticated local attacker to escalate their privilege level and gain root access. The attacker has to have a valid user credential with at least a [[privilege of operator - validate actual name]].
The vulnerability is due to the processing of a specially crafted SNMP configuration file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the targeted device and uploading a specially crafted SNMP configuration file that when uploaded could allow for the execution of commands as root. An exploit could allow the attacker to gain root access on the device.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from cisco. Update email_security_appliance to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| cisco | email_security_appliance | >= 0, < 12.5.3-041 | Affected |
| cisco | secure_email_and_web_manager | >= 0, < 12.8.1-021 | Affected |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2023-20009?
CVE-2023-20009 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting cisco email_security_appliance. It was published on March 1, 2023 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 (MEDIUM).
How severe is CVE-2023-20009?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, rated MEDIUM. It can be exploited remotely over the network. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2023-20009?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from cisco. Update email_security_appliance to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2023-20009?
CyberStrike's AI-powered security agents can automatically detect CVE-2023-20009 across your infrastructure using autonomous pentesting, DAST scanning, and HackBrowser. The platform continuously monitors for known vulnerabilities and provides actionable remediation guidance prioritized by real-world exploitability.
How CyberStrike Helps
AI agents map your attack surface to find vulnerabilities like this one.
Automated penetration testing that runs continuously, not just quarterly.
AI-driven PR review catches vulnerable dependencies before they ship.
Browser-based exploitation validates findings with real proof-of-concept.
Related MEDIUM CVEs from 2023
View all →DataHub is an open-source metadata platform. In versions of DataHub prior to 0.8.45 Session cookies
Dell Unisphere for PowerMax vApp, VASA Provider vApp, and Solution Enabler vApp version 10.0.0.5 an
All versions of the package sketchsvg are vulnerable to Arbitrary Code Injection when invoking shell
Nextcloud is an open-source productivity platform. In Nextcloud Desktop client 3.0.0 until 3.8.0, Ne
An attacker having physical access to WDM can plug USB device to gain access and execute unwanted co
Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation and support for multi-language development.
Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation and support for multi-language development.
Alaris Systems Manager does not perform input validation during the Device Import Function.
Improper input validation in the BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged u
Dell BIOS contain a Time-of-check Time-of-use vulnerability in BIOS. A local authenticated maliciou
A vulnerability exists in the Equipment Tag Out authentication, when configured with Single Sign-On
Cilium is a networking, observability, and security solution with an eBPF-based dataplane. An attack