Is CVE-2020-3118 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2020-3118 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2020-3118 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2020-3118 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-3118?

CVE-2020-3118 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-3118

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2020-3118

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:0.29%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:52.3th

Official Description

Cisco IOS XR improperly validates string input from certain fields in Cisco Discovery Protocol messages. Exploitation could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to execute code with administrative privileges or cause a reload on an affected device.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Cisco IOS XR Software Discovery Protocol Format String Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-05-03

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR allows an attacker to manipulate string input in Cisco Discovery Protocol messages. This could lead to unauthorized code execution with administrative privileges or cause the affected device to restart. The high severity and confirmed exploitation in the wild make this an urgent concern.

This vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild. An unauthenticated, adjacent attacker can exploit this flaw.

Recommended Action

Review and apply any available updates or patches for Cisco IOS XR to address this vulnerability. Implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of Cisco Discovery Protocol.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-3118 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2020-3118 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.