How to Fix CVE-2026-20096: Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (Bundle Sibling)
*By Sai Kiran Pandrala*
Last verified: 2026-05-25
| Severity | CVSS 6.5, Medium |
|---|---|
| Actively exploited? | No |
| Affected | Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (4.1.1, 3.9.1); Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) (4.0(2g), 3.1(2i)); Cisco Unified Computing System E-Series Software (UCSE) (3.2.7, 3.2.6) |
| Fixed in | Same patched build as CVE-2026-20085 |
| Type (CWE) | CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') |
CVE-2026-20096 is a sibling vulnerability in the same Cisco Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software advisory bundle as CVE-2026-20085. The same patched build closes every CVE in the bundle, so the remediation procedure for CVE-2026-20096 matches the primary write-up.
What is different about CVE-2026-20096?
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IMC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with admin-level privileges to perform command injection attacks on an affected system and execute arbitrary commands as the root user. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands to the web-based management interface of the affected software.
Impact is consistent with the bundle: command injection on the host operating system. The patched build closes every code path in the advisory in one update.
How to fix CVE-2026-20096
Apply the patched build per the primary write-up: How to Fix CVE-2026-20085.
For a quick check, confirm the running version of Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software:
# Confirm the installed version via your package manager
dpkg -l | grep -i cisco # Debian/Ubuntu
rpm -qa | grep -i cisco # RHEL/CentOS/Rocky
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2026-20096 being actively exploited?
Not at the time of writing. It is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. That status can change, so monitor the vendor advisory and the KEV catalog if the system is exposed.
How severe is CVE-2026-20096?
CVSS rates it 6.5 (Medium). Use that score to set your patch priority alongside the other items in your queue.
Do I have to take Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software offline to apply the patch?
It depends on the deployment. High-availability or clustered installs can usually patch one node at a time with no full outage. Standalone installs typically need a short restart. Always follow the vendor's documented upgrade steps.
What if my vulnerability scanner still flags CVE-2026-20096 after I patch?
Re-run the scan after a service restart, then confirm the scanner's plugin set is up to date. Some scanners detect by banner version only and lag the official fix metadata by a release.
References
- Official vendor advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cimc-cmd-inj-3hKN3bVt
- NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-20096
- CISA KEV catalog: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
- Primary write-up: How to Fix CVE-2026-20085
*Written by Sai Kiran Pandrala. Last verified 2026-05-25. Part of the Cisco Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software advisory bundle. Full procedure at how-to-fix-cve-2026-20085.*