Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Software
CVE-2026-20131
Key Information:
- Vendor
Cisco
- Vendor
- CVE Published:
- 4 March 2026
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What is CVE-2026-20131?
CVE-2026-20131 is a serious remote code execution vulnerability affecting the Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software, which is utilized by organizations to manage their firewall infrastructure. This vulnerability stems from the insecure deserialization of user-supplied Java byte streams within the web-based management interface of the FMC. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting a serialized Java object and sending it to the management interface, enabling them to execute arbitrary Java code with root privileges on the affected device. The ability to run code as root can have devastating implications, granting attackers full control over the system and potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
Potential impact of CVE-2026-20131
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Unauthorized Access and Control: Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain root access, enabling them to execute any commands or applications, manipulate data, and alter system configurations at will.
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Data Breaches: With elevated privileges, attackers can access sensitive data stored on the compromised device or within connected systems, leading to potential data theft and privacy violations for the organization.
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Network Security Compromise: The vulnerability jeopardizes the overall security posture of the organization, as attackers could establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised device as a launch point for attacks on other systems within the network.
CISA has reported CVE-2026-20131
CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2026-20131 as being exploited and is known by the CISA as enabling ransomware campaigns.
The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

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Affected Version(s)
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) 7.0.0
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) 7.0.0.1
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) 7.0.1
Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)
PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.
References
CVSS V3.1
Timeline
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Vulnerability started trending
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Used in Ransomware
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CISA Reported
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Public PoC available
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Exploit known to exist
Vulnerability published
Vulnerability Reserved