CVE-2024-20439KEV · OVERDUECWE-912

Cisco Smart Licensing Utility Static Credential Vulnerability

Critical · published September 4, 2024

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it critical at 9.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.9th percentile for exploit probability.

550
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
97%
Percentile
99.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A static password is like leaving the front door wide open! With CVE-2024-20439, an unauthenticated remote attacker can waltz right into Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) using a hidden administrative credential. 🔥 Think of it as a hotel with a master key hidden under the welcome mat. Instead of checking IDs, the hotel staff simply lets anyone with the key enter any room — absolutely terrifying! If exploited, an attacker could gain full administrative access to the CSLU, allowing them to manipulate resources, access sensitive data, or even disrupt licensing management entirely. The consequences could be devastating, compromising business integrity and security. Picture a hacker running your entire operation — yikes!

Put simply

Think of it as a hotel with a master key hidden under the welcome mat. Instead of checking IDs, the hotel staff simply lets anyone with the key enter any room — absolutely terrifying! This vulnerability stems from a hardcoded static administrative credential that gives attackers unauthorized access to the CSLU application API, bypassing any need for proper authentication.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could gain full administrative access to the CSLU, allowing them to manipulate resources, access sensitive data, or even disrupt licensing management entirely. The consequences could be devastating, compromising business integrity and security. Picture a hacker running your entire operation — yikes! Immediately patch your systems to the latest version from Cisco that addresses this issue, and change any default credentials to unique, secure ones. Regularly audit your security settings to ensure compliance and reduce exposure to such vulnerabilities. You’ve got this! With a few swift actions, you can secure your systems and keep those digital doors firmly locked. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.97090 · 99.9th percentile
Weakness
CWE-912 · Hidden Functionality
Published
2024-09-04T16:28Z
KEV added
2025-03-31 · due 2025-04-21
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 31 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Apr 21
    kev
  • 04 SEP 16:28Z
    A vulnerability in Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to log into an affected system by using a static…
    cvelistv5