CVE-2023-20266

Name: CVE-2023-20266
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-08-30T17:15:08.357+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.2/10EPSS 0.36%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-20266 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.2/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in Cisco Emergency Responder, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM), Cisco Unified Communications Manager Session Management Edition (Unified CM SME), and Cisco Unity Connection could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected device. This vulnerability exists because the application does not properly restrict the files that are being used for upgrades. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing a crafted upgrade file. EPSS estimates a 0.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in Cisco Emergency Responder, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM), Cisco Unified Communications Manager Session Management Edition (Unified CM SME), and Cisco Unity Connection could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected device. This vulnerability exists because the application does not properly restrict the files that are being used for upgrades. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing a crafted upgrade file. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid platform administrator credentials on an affected device.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.2/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.36%

28.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Emergency Responder	12.5.1su4
Cisco	Emergency Responder	12.5.1su8a
Cisco	Emergency Responder	14su3
Cisco	Unified Communications Manager	12.5.1su8
Cisco	Unity Connection	12.5\(1\)su6
Cisco	Unity Connection	12.5\(1\)su7
Cisco	Unity Connection	12.5\(1\)su8
Cisco	Unity Connection	14su2
Cisco	Unity Connection	14su3

References

Timeline

Published: Aug 30, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-20266?

How severe is CVE-2023-20266?

CVE-2023-20266 has a CVSS score of 7.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20266?

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.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-20266?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST