CVE-2024-20399
MediumExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated user in possession of Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device.
Published Jul 2, 2024 · Updated Oct 21, 2025 · Also known as TR-24-0856
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2024-20399 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.7 v3.1) affecting Nx-OS (Cisco), Cisco NX-OS Software.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 1, 2024. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 4.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
6.7
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
4.3%
Higher than 91.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2024-20399 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated user in possession of Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of arguments that are passed to specific configuration CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input as the argument of an affected configuration CLI command. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of root. Note: To successfully exploit this vulnerability on a Cisco NX-OS device, an attacker must have Administrator credentials. The following Cisco devices already allow administrative users to access the underlying operating system through the bash-shell feature, so, for these devices, this vulnerability does not grant any additional privileges:
Nexus 3000 Series Switches Nexus 7000 Series Switches that are running Cisco NX-OS Software releases 8.1(1) and later Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jul 2, 2024 | Jul 23, 2024 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 1, 2024 | Jul 23, 2024 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 2, 2024 | Jul 23, 2024 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jul 2, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
264 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Nx-OSCisco | 10.1\(1\), 10.1\(2\), 10.2\(1\), 10.2\(1q\), 10.2\(2\), 10.2\(3\), 10.2\(4\), 10.2\(5\) | n/a |
| Cisco NX-OS Software | >= 8.2(5) | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 1, 2024
Publicly disclosed
Jul 2, 2024
Added to CISA KEV
Jul 2, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 2, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jul 2, 2024
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-20399
- advisorycisco-sa-nxos-cmd-injection-xD9OhyOP
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated user in possession of Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device.
Affected: Nx-OS (Cisco) versions 10.1\(1\), 10.1\(2\), 10.2\(1\), 10.2\(1q\), 10.2\(2\), 10.2\(3\), 10.2\(4\), 10.2\(5\); Cisco NX-OS Software versions >= 8.2(5). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 1, 2024.
Yes. It was added on Jul 2, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 23, 2024.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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