Cisco SD-WAN Software CLI Privilege Escalation to Root Vulnerability (CVE-2022-20775) Security Advisory
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTSystems and network devices running vulnerable versions of Cisco SD-WAN Software CLI
An authenticated, local attacker can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges by running a maliciously crafted command
Apply the official software updates provided by Cisco immediately, as there are no viable workarounds
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Because no workarounds are available for this vulnerability, administrators must upgrade to a fixed Cisco SD-WAN Software release. Use the following CLI commands to install and activate the secure software image:
# Install the secure software image on Cisco SD-WAN via CLI
request software install bootflash:viptela-edge-20.x.x-generic.tar.gz
# Activate the newly installed version and reboot the device
request software activate 20.x.x2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
Until patches can be deployed, restrict local CLI access to trusted administrators only and enforce strict SSH access control lists (ACLs).
# Define an ACL to restrict SSH access to the management subnet
ip access-list standard SSH_ALLOW_ONLY
permit 10.100.10.0 0.0.0.255
deny any log
# Apply the ACL to the virtual teletype (VTY) lines
line vty 0 4
access-class SSH_ALLOW_ONLY in
transport input ssh3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the current software version and inspect the system logs for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts or suspicious CLI activities.
# Check the current running software version
show version
# Search syslog for unauthorized root transitions or command execution anomalies
show log syslog | include 'privilege|root|invalid-command'Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2022-20775) exists in the Command Line Interface (CLI) of Cisco SD-WAN Software. The root cause is improper access control and insufficient validation of input parameters within the application CLI commands. This allows an attacker to bypass directory and command execution boundaries (CWE-22, CWE-25, CWE-282), leading to local privilege escalation from a restricted user session to the underlying operating system's root level.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must first establish an authenticated, local session on the target Cisco SD-WAN device with low-privilege access. The attacker then inputs a specially crafted command containing escape characters or directory traversal sequences into the CLI. Due to the lack of input sanitization, the CLI parser passes the payload directly to the system shell, executing the injected commands with root-level privileges.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As this vulnerability is listed in the CISA KEV catalog, it represents a high-risk threat with confirmed active exploitation in the wild. A successful exploit grants the attacker full administrative control (root) over the SD-WAN appliance. This compromises the integrity of the SD-WAN control and data planes, potentially allowing traffic interception, routing manipulation, and lateral movement across the enterprise network.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain elevated privileges. This vulnerability is due to improper access controls on commands within the application CLI. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a maliciously crafted command on the application CLI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability. https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2022-20775)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2022-20775 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2022-20775 is rated CVSS 7.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 12.0%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2022-20775?
Primary impacted vendors include cisco across sd-wan_software. Scope summary: All vulnerable versions of Cisco SD-WAN Software (including vManage, vBond, vSmart, and WAN Edge routers) prior to the patched releases
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2022-20775 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply the official software updates provided by Cisco immediately, as there are no viable workarounds Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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