CVE-2026-76461
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the email parsing of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Secure Email Gateway could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the underlying operating system.
Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 18, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-76461 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Asyncos (Cisco), Cisco Secure Email.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 14, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 30% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Asyncos 15.5.5-014, Asyncos 16.0.4-302, Asyncos 16.5.0-780.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
30%
Higher than 98.1% 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-2026-76461 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in the email parsing of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Secure Email Gateway could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the underlying operating system.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation in the email parsing logic. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted email message that contains malicious SQL statements through an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary SQL statements, leading to command execution with root privileges on the underlying operating system.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 14, 2026 | n/a | Not 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
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AsyncosCisco | See advisory | 15.5.5-014 |
| Cisco Secure Email | >= 14.0.0-698 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Asyncos
15.5.5-014, 16.0.4-302, 16.5.0-780
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 14, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 14, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 14, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 14, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 14, 2026
Last updated
Sep 18, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the email parsing of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Secure Email Gateway could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the underlying operating system.
Affected: Asyncos (Cisco); Cisco Secure Email versions >= 14.0.0-698. 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 Sep 14, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Sep 14, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Sep 17, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Asyncos 15.5.5-014, Asyncos 16.0.4-302, Asyncos 16.5.0-780.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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