HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2022-20695
CRITICAL

CVE-2022-20695

CWE-303Published: April 15, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

10.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in the authentication functionality of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication controls and log in to the device through the management interface This vulnerability is due to the improper implementation of the password validation algorithm. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging in to an affected device with crafted credentials. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authentication and log in to the device as an administrator. The attacker could obtain privileges that are the same level as an administrative user but it depends on the crafted credentials. Note: This vulnerability exists because of a non-default device configuration that must be present for it to be exploitable. For details about the vulnerable configuration, see the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-20695 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 10.0.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

Cisco34 product(s)
wireless lan controller 8.10.151.0wireless lan controller 8.10.162.0virtual wireless controller3504 wireless controller5520 wireless controller8540 wireless controlleraironet 1540aironet 1542daironet 1542iaironet 1560aironet 1562daironet 1562e+22
Source: NVD CPE · 34 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2022-20695
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-303
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 15, 2022

Related CVEs (CWE-303)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2022-20695 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.