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CVE-2026-20079

CriticalExploitedPublic exploit

A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system.

Published Mar 4, 2026 · Updated Sep 16, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2026-20079 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v3.1) affecting Secure Firewall Management Center (Cisco), Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC).
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 9, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 88% 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

10.0

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

88%

Higher than 99.7% 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-2026-20079 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute script files on an affected device to obtain root access to the underlying operating system.

This vulnerability is due to an improper system process that is created at boot time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute a variety of scripts and commands that allow root access to the device.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVSep 9, 2026Sep 12, 2026Not reported
Industry KEV feedSep 9, 2026Sep 12, 2026Not reported
CIRCL KEVSep 9, 2026Sep 12, 2026Not reported
ENISA EUVDSep 9, 2026n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Affected Products

73 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Secure Firewall Management CenterCisco10.0.0, 10.0.1, 7.0.0, 7.0.0.1, 7.0.1, 7.0.1.1, 7.0.2, 7.0.2.1n/a
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)>= 7.0.0n/a

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Mar 4, 2026

  2. Added to CISA KEV

    Sep 9, 2026

  3. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Sep 9, 2026

  4. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Sep 9, 2026

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Sep 9, 2026

  6. Last updated

    Sep 16, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel

References

4 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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