CVE-2022-20775
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Cisco SD-WAN Software allows authenticated local attackers to gain root privileges by exploiting improper access controls in the CLI. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands as root, potentially compromising the entire SD-WAN system. Only Cisco SD-WAN deployments with local authenticated access are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco SD-WAN Software
📦 What is this software?
Sd Wan by Cisco
Sd Wan by Cisco
Sd Wan by Cisco
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root access, allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive network data, disrupt SD-WAN operations, and pivot to other network segments.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation to root by authenticated users (including compromised accounts), leading to unauthorized configuration changes, data theft, and potential lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, least privilege access, and monitoring are implemented, though the vulnerability still presents significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated CLI access but is straightforward once access is obtained. The advisory provides technical details that could facilitate exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Multiple fixed versions depending on specific SD-WAN release - consult Cisco advisory for exact version mapping
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for specific fixed versions for your deployment. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Download and install appropriate fixed version from Cisco. 4. Reboot affected devices. 5. Verify successful upgrade and functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No workarounds available
allCisco states there are no workarounds for this vulnerability
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict CLI access to only essential administrative users with strong authentication
- Implement network segmentation to isolate SD-WAN management interfaces from general user networks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current SD-WAN software version against affected versions listed in Cisco advisoryCheck Version:
show version (on Cisco SD-WAN CLI)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds fixed versions specified in Cisco advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts in CLI logs
- Root-level command execution from non-privileged users
- Authentication logs showing unexpected CLI access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual management traffic patterns to SD-WAN devices
- Unexpected configuration changes in SD-WAN infrastructure
SIEM Query:
source="cisco-sdwan" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR user="root" AND command_execution) OR (authentication_success AND interface="cli")🔗 References
- https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://github.com/orangecertcc/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-wmjv-552v-pxjc
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://github.com/orangecertcc/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-wmjv-552v-pxjc
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-20775
