CVE-2023-20216: A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate...

Description

A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to incorrect implementation of user role permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a user with the BWORKS or BWSUPERADMIN role and issuing crafted commands on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands beyond the sphere of their intended access level, including initiating installs or running operating system commands with elevated permissions. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.15%

4.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Broadworks Application Delivery Platform	< ri.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Application Server	< 23.0.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Application Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Application Server	>= 24.0, < 24.0.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Database Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Execution Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Media Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Network Database Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Network Function Manager	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Network Server	< 23.0.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Network Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Profile Server	< 23.0.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Profile Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Service Control Function Server	< 2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Troubleshooting Server	< 2023.06
Cisco	Broadworks Xtended Services Platform	< 23.0.2023.05
Cisco	Broadworks Xtended Services Platform	< 2023.05

References

Timeline

Published: Aug 3, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-20216?

A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to incorrect implementation of user role permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a user with the BWORKS or BWSUPERADMIN role and issuing crafted commands on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands beyond the sphere of their intended access level, including initiating installs or running operating system commands with elevated permissions. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.

How severe is CVE-2023-20216?

CVE-2023-20216 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.15% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20216?

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.