CVE-2026-20046
Received Received - Intake
Privilege Escalation in Cisco IOS XR via CLI Task Group Bypass

Publication date: 2026-03-11

Last updated on: 2026-03-11

Assigner: Cisco Systems, Inc.

Description
A vulnerability in task group assignment for a specific CLI command in Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges and gain full administrative control of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to incorrect mapping of a command to task groups within the source code. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using the CLI command to bypass the task group–based checks. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges and perform actions on an affected device without authorization checks.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-11
Last Modified
2026-03-11
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-11
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-20046
EUVD
EUVD-2026-11216
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
cisco ios_xr_software *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the task group assignment for a specific CLI command in Cisco IOS XR Software. It is caused by incorrect mapping of a command to task groups within the source code.

An authenticated local attacker with a low-privileged account can exploit this flaw by using the CLI command to bypass task group–based authorization checks.

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to elevate their privileges and gain full administrative control over the affected device.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability can allow an attacker with limited access to escalate their privileges to full administrative control on the affected Cisco IOS XR device.

This means the attacker could perform unauthorized actions, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and its data.

Compliance Impact

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