HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2024-20285
HIGH

CVE-2024-20285

CWE-653Published: August 28, 2024· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in the Python interpreter of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, local attacker to escape the Python sandbox and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system of the device.

The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating specific functions within the Python interpreter. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to escape the Python sandbox and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the authenticated user. 

Note: An attacker must be authenticated with Python execution privileges to exploit these vulnerabilities. For more information regarding Python execution privileges, see product-specific documentation, such as the section of the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Programmability Guide.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2024-20285 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

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

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 8.8.

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 VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionNone
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

Cisco232 product(s)
nx-osn9k-c92160yc-xn9k-c92300ycn9k-c92304qcn9k-c9232cn9k-c92348gc-xn9k-c9236cn9k-c9272qn9k-c93108tc-exn9k-c93108tc-fxn9k-c93120txn9k-c93128tx+220
Source: NVD CPE · 232 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-2024-20285
CVSS Score8.8 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-653
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 28, 2024

Related CVEs (CWE-653)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2024-20285 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.