CVE-2022-20855 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the self-healing functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for Embedded Wireless Controllers on Catalyst Access Points could allow an authenticated, local attacker to escape the restricted controller shell and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of the access point.

Understanding CVE-2022-20855

This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software for Embedded Wireless Controllers on Catalyst Access Points.

What is CVE-2022-20855?

The vulnerability allows an authenticated, local attacker to run arbitrary commands on the access point's OS, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20855

Exploiting this vulnerability could result in unauthorized execution of commands as root, posing a significant security risk to the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20855

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability's nature and impact.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper checks during the restart of specific system processes, allowing an attacker to execute commands and escape the restricted controller shell.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco IOS XE Software for Embedded Wireless Controllers on Catalyst Access Points is affected by this vulnerability.

Vendor: Cisco
Product: Cisco IOS XE Software
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by executing certain CLI commands on the affected device with valid credentials.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploit is crucial for enhancing system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends applying the necessary updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations, monitor for any unauthorized access, and restrict user privileges to minimize security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply recommended patches and updates to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.