CVE-2022-20775

CVE-2022-20775 is a path traversal and improper access control flaw (CWE-22/CWE-25) in the CLI of Cisco SD-WAN Software that allows an authenticated, local attacker to gain elevated privileges. An attacker triggers it by running a maliciously crafted command in the application CLI, abusing weak access controls on CLI commands. A successful exploit yields arbitrary command execution as the root user, giving full control of the affected SD-WAN component. Organizations running Cisco SD-WAN / Catalyst SD-WAN components — SD-WAN Manager, vBond Orchestrator, vSmart Controller, and vEdge Cloud routers — are affected. The flaw is now being actively exploited: it was added to the CISA KEV catalog on 2026-02-25, prompting CISA Emergency Directive 26-03 and joint Five Eyes 'Hunt & Hardening' guidance, a public proof-of-concept exists, and EPSS estimates a 12.5% chance of exploitation within 30 days (96th percentile).

What to do: Upgrade affected SD-WAN components — Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, vBond Orchestrator, vSmart Controller, and vEdge Cloud — to the fixed releases listed in Cisco advisory cisco-sa-sd-wan-priv-E6e8tEdF, as there are no workarounds. Restrict CLI access to trusted administrators, review local accounts for unexpected additions or changes, and hunt for signs of compromise per CISA Emergency Directive 26-03 and CISA's Hunt & Hardening Guidance for Cisco SD-WAN Devices. If patched software or cloud-service mitigations are unavailable, follow BOD 22-01 guidance and consider discontinuing use of the affected components.