CVE-2023-20238
CWE-287Published: September 6, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
A vulnerability in the single sign-on (SSO) implementation of Cisco BroadWorks Application Delivery Platform and Cisco BroadWorks Xtended Services Platform could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to forge the credentials required to access an affected system.
This vulnerability is due to the method used to validate SSO tokens. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application with forged credentials. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to commit toll fraud or to execute commands at the privilege level of the forged account. If that account is an Administrator account, the attacker would have the ability to view confidential information, modify customer settings, or modify settings for other users. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need a valid user ID that is associated with an affected Cisco BroadWorks system.
Risk Analysis
A vulnerability in the Cisco BroadWorks SSO implementation allows unauthenticated attackers to forge credentials and gain unauthorized access. Successful exploitation can lead to toll fraud or the execution of commands with administrative privileges. The critical severity highlights the high impact of this authentication bypass.
No public exploit is known, and it is not in the CISA KEV. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Apply the patches provided by Cisco for the affected BroadWorks platforms. Monitor for unauthorized access or unusual administrative activity.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-20238 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 9.8.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-287): Authentication bypass vulnerabilities allow attackers to access protected resources without valid credentials.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-287)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-20238 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts