Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager Arbitrary File Write Vulnerability
CVE-2026-20262 is an authenticated remote arbitrary file write vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, formerly SD-WAN vManage. The flaw exists because the software does not properly validate user-supplied input during a file upload process, enabling directory/path traversal behavior via a crafted HTTP request to an affected API endpoint. A successful exploit allows the attacker to create a file or overwrite any file on the filesystem of the underlying operating system. Cisco and multiple reports indicate the written file can subsequently be leveraged for privilege escalation, including escalation to root. Public reporting also notes observed post-exploitation activity involving malicious .war uploads and deployment through the embedded WildFly application server.
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Impact, mitigation & remediation
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Impact
What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.
Mitigation
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Remediation
Patch, then assume compromise.
Exploits
1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).
This repository contains a standalone Python proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-20262 affecting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (vManage), plus a small Bash verification script and supporting documentation. The main exploit file, CVE-2026-20262.py, authenticates to the target web interface via /j_security_check, extracts a CSRF token/session state, and then abuses the AnyConnect profile upload endpoint /dataservice/settings/sdra/anyconnect/profile by placing a path traversal sequence in the multipart filename field. Its core capability is authenticated arbitrary file write on the underlying system. The exploit is operational rather than framework-based: it accepts a target URL, username, password, local file path, and attacker-chosen remote path, then uploads the local file contents to that remote location. The script also includes an optional verification step using /dataservice/file/read?path=... to test whether the file is accessible after upload. The repository documentation describes likely abuse paths such as dropping a malicious WAR into /var/lib/wildfly/standalone/deployments/ for probable server-side code execution, overwriting nginx configuration under /etc/nginx/conf.d/, or writing scripts into privileged directories. Additional files include README.md and NOTAS with vulnerability context, impact, and IOC guidance, an 'Ejecución Básica' usage note with example commands, and 'Script de Verificación Rápida', a Bash helper that queries /dataservice/version to identify potentially vulnerable versions. Overall, this is a real exploit repository centered on authenticated web-based path traversal leading to arbitrary file write, with clear post-exploitation potential but no embedded reverse shell or automated second-stage payload.
Affected products & vendors
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Recent activity
132 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A medium-severity security flaw affecting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager that is reported as being actively exploited in the wild.
Уязвимость в Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, связанная с некорректной проверкой пользовательских данных при загрузке файлов, позволяла аутентифицированному пользователю с правами записи создать или перезаписать произвольный файл через уязвимый API, что затем могло привести к повышению привилегий до root и полному захвату системы.
An arbitrary file write vulnerability affecting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager across multiple versions and all deployment types. It is significant because Cisco is aware of exploitation and CISA added it to the KEV catalog.
An arbitrary file write vulnerability affecting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager across multiple versions and all deployment types. It is significant because Cisco states it is aware of exploitation, and CISA added it to the KEV catalog.
The version that knows your environment.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.