CVE-2023-20016: A vulnerability in the backup configuration feature of Cisco UCS Manager Software and in the configuration export feature of Cisco FXOS Software could...

Description

A vulnerability in the backup configuration feature of Cisco UCS Manager Software and in the configuration export feature of Cisco FXOS Software could allow an unauthenticated attacker with access to a backup file to decrypt sensitive information stored in the full state and configuration backup files. This vulnerability is due to a weakness in the encryption method used for the backup function. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a static key used for the backup configuration feature. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to decrypt sensitive information that is stored in full state and configuration backup files, such as local user credentials, authentication server passwords, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) community names, and other credentials.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.11%

1.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ucs Central Software	< 4.2\(3c\)
Cisco	Ucs 6536 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 64108 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6454 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6200 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6248up Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6296up Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6300 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6324 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6332 Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Ucs 6332-16up Firmware	All versions
Cisco	Fxos	< 2.6.1

References

Timeline

Published: Feb 23, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-20016?

A vulnerability in the backup configuration feature of Cisco UCS Manager Software and in the configuration export feature of Cisco FXOS Software could allow an unauthenticated attacker with access to a backup file to decrypt sensitive information stored in the full state and configuration backup files. This vulnerability is due to a weakness in the encryption method used for the backup function. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a static key used for the backup configuration feature. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to decrypt sensitive information that is stored in full state and configuration backup files, such as local user credentials, authentication server passwords, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) community names, and other credentials.

How severe is CVE-2023-20016?

CVE-2023-20016 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.11% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20016?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.