CVE-2026-20246: Cisco Umbrella Virtual Appliance Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A vulnerability in the vmadmin CLI of Cisco Umbrella Virtual Appliance could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied commands. An attacker with vmadmin privileges could exploit this vulnerability by using certain commands at the CLI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Configuration
Remove vmadmin privileges from accounts that do not require them; apply principle of least privilege so only trusted administrators retain the vmadmin role.
Cisco Umbrella Virtual Appliance vmadmin privileges = limit/remove - Compensating control
Restrict access to the appliance management interfaces and local console to trusted administrators (network isolation, firewall/ACLs, or management VLANs) to reduce the likelihood of a local authenticated attacker obtaining vmadmin access.
- Operational
Audit all accounts with vmadmin privileges and CLI activity; revoke unnecessary vmadmin accounts and monitor for suspicious use. If compromise is suspected, investigate and rotate affected credentials and review for unauthorized root-level changes.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-20246?
The severity of CVE-2026-20246 is rated as medium with a score of 6.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20246?
To fix CVE-2026-20246, ensure that you apply the latest security patches and updates provided by Cisco for the Umbrella Virtual Appliance.
What types of attacks can exploit CVE-2026-20246?
CVE-2026-20246 can be exploited by authenticated, local attackers leveraging vmadmin privileges to elevate their access on the device.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-20246?
Organizations using the Cisco Umbrella Virtual Appliance are affected by CVE-2026-20246.
What causes CVE-2026-20246?
CVE-2026-20246 is caused by insufficient validation of user-supplied commands in the vmadmin CLI of the Cisco Umbrella Virtual Appliance.