Remote Command Execution Vulnerability in Cisco Unified Communications Products

CVE-2026-20045

What is CVE-2026-20045?

CVE-2026-20045 is a critical vulnerability found in several Cisco Unified Communications products, including the Unified Communications Manager, Session Management Edition, IM & Presence Service, Unity Connection, and Webex Calling Dedicated Instance. This vulnerability arises from improper validation of user inputs in HTTP requests, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of the affected devices. This flaw allows an attacker to potentially gain user-level access and escalate privileges to root, posing serious risks to organizations that rely on these communication solutions for operational continuity. Given the integration of these products in various business communications frameworks, exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to severe operational disruptions and unauthorized access to sensitive communications.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-20045

1. Privilege Escalation: The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the ability for attackers to elevate their access rights from user-level to root. This can grant them full control over the affected systems, enabling the installation of malware or exfiltration of sensitive data.

2. Operational Disruption: Organizations that depend on Cisco Unified Communications products may face significant disruptions in communication services if these systems are compromised. This could lead to decreased productivity, interruption of critical communication workflows, and financial losses due to downtime.

3. Data Breaches: As attackers gain increased access, they may exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information, leading to potential data breaches. This can have far-reaching implications, including regulatory penalties, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.

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