CVE-2026-20306: Cisco Identity Services Engine Command Injection Vulnerability

Published Sep 16, 2026
·
Updated

A vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco ISE and ISE-PIC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform command injection attacks on the underlying operating system and elevate privileges to root. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid administrative credentials. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device and elevate privileges to root. In single-node deployments, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause the affected ISE node to become unavailable, resulting in a DoS condition. In that condition, endpoints that have not already authenticated would be unable to access the network until the node is restored.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Cisco Cisco ISE
Cisco ISE-PIC

Event History

Sep 16, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:55 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Who can exploit this issue?

An attacker must be able to reach the affected device's web-based management interface and possess valid administrative credentials. Exploitation is remote and does not require user interaction.

2

What is the likely impact of successful exploitation?

A successful attacker can inject commands into the underlying operating system, execute arbitrary code, and elevate privileges to root. The vulnerability affects the REST API in Cisco ISE and ISE-PIC.

3

Are single-node deployments subject to additional operational risk?

Yes. Successful exploitation in a single-node deployment can make the affected ISE node unavailable; endpoints that have not already authenticated may be unable to access the network until the node is restored.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203