Cyber Resilience

CVE-2022-20920

HighUpdated

Published: 10 October 2022

Published
10 October 2022
Modified
27 May 2026
KEV Added
Patch
CVSS Score v3.1 7.7 CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H
EPSS Score 0.0102 77.7th percentile
Risk Priority 16 60% EPSS · 20% KEV · 20% CVSS

Summary

CVE-2022-20920 is a high-severity Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions (CWE-755) vulnerability in Cisco Ios. Its CVSS base score is 7.7 (High).

Operationally, ranked in the top 22.3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

EU & UK References

Vulnerability details

A vulnerability in the SSH implementation of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload. This vulnerability is due to improper handling of resources during an exceptional…

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situation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by continuously connecting to an affected device and sending specific SSH requests. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the affected device to reload.

CWE(s)

Related Threats

No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.

Affected Assets

cisco
ios
12.2\(58\)ex, 12.2\(58\)ey, 12.2\(58\)ey1, 12.2\(58\)ey2, 12.2\(58\)ez
cisco
ios xe
16.1, 16.1.1, 16.1.2, 16.1.3, 16.10

Mitigating Controls

Likely Mitigating Controls AI

Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.

addresses: CWE-755

Provides defined handling (alert and additional actions) for the exceptional condition of audit logging failure.

addresses: CWE-755

Supplies a concrete handling action (safe mode) for exceptional conditions, mitigating risks from improper or absent handling that could allow continued attacks.

addresses: CWE-755

By preparing users for contingency scenarios, the control promotes proper handling of exceptional conditions instead of default or unsafe behaviors.

addresses: CWE-755

An updated contingency plan defines current actions for exceptional conditions, reducing the window for attackers to exploit improper handling leading to system failure.

addresses: CWE-755

Procedures ensure proper handling of exceptional conditions to support effective incident response.

addresses: CWE-755

Incident response testing confirms proper handling of exceptional conditions to limit exploit impact.

addresses: CWE-755

Gives users guidance on incident handling, reducing improper handling of exceptional conditions that could stem from exploited weaknesses.

addresses: CWE-755

Enforces structured response to exceptional conditions so the system cannot remain in an unsafe state.

References