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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-20216 · published 3 August 2023

CVE-2023-20216: Cisco broadworks application delivery platform improper privilege management vulnerability

Cisco · Broadworks Application Delivery Platform

A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to incorrect implementation of user role permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a user with the BWORKS or BWSUPERADMIN role and issuing crafted commands on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands beyond the sphere of their intended access level, including initiating installs or running operating system commands with elevated permissions. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.

7.8 CVSS 3.1 High EPSS 0.16% · top 95.8% CWE-269 · Improper privilege managementCWE-732 · Incorrect permission assignment
7.8CVSS 3.1 base score
0.16%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
12Affected product versions listed by NVD
2References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

A vulnerability in the privilege management functionality of all Cisco BroadWorks server types could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to root on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to incorrect implementation of user role permissions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a user with the BWORKS or BWSUPERADMIN role and issuing crafted commands on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands beyond the sphere of their intended access level, including initiating installs or running operating system commands with elevated permissions. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

12 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-bw-priv-esc-qTgUZOsQ Vendor Advisory
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-bw-priv-esc-qTgUZOsQ Vendor Advisory

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Related vulnerabilities

Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2023-20216), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.