Is CVE-2022-20856 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2022-20856 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2022-20856 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2022-20856 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-20856?

CVE-2022-20856 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH).

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HIGH

CVE-2022-20856

CWE-664Published: September 30, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.5

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in the processing of Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) Mobility messages in Cisco IOS XE Wireless Controller Software for the Catalyst 9000 Family could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to a logic error and improper management of resources related to the handling of CAPWAP Mobility messages. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted CAPWAP Mobility packets to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to exhaust resources on the affected device. This would cause the device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-20856 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 availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.