CVE-2022-20944:A vulnerability in the software image verification functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. This vulnerability is due to an improper check in the code function that manages the verification of the digital signatures of system image files during the initial boot process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading unsigned software on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software image or execute unsigned code and bypass the image verification check part of the boot process of the affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs either unauthenticated physical access to the device or privileged access to the root shell on the device. Note: In Cisco IOS XE Software releases 16.11.1 and later, root shell access is protected by the Consent Token mechanism. However, an attacker with level-15 privileges could easily downgrade the Cisco IOS XE Software running on a device to a release where root shell access is more readily available.

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A vulnerability in the software image verification functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. This vulnerability is due to an improper check in the code function that manages the verification of the digital signatures of system image files during the initial boot process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading unsigned software on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software image or execute unsigned code and bypass the image verification check part of the boot process of the affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs either unauthenticated physical access to the device or privileged access to the root shell on the device. Note: In Cisco IOS XE Software releases 16.11.1 and later, root shell access is protected by the Consent Token mechanism. However, an attacker with level-15 privileges could easily downgrade the Cisco IOS XE Software running on a device to a release where root shell access is more readily available.

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  3. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  6. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  7. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  8. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  9. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  10. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  11. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  12. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  13. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Construction
    Construction
  16. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  17. Information
    Information
  18. Mining
    Mining
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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