Full Report
Cisco security advisory (AV26-757)
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Static Credential Vulnerability
## CVE Details
- **CVE ID:** CVE-2026-20316
- **CVSS Score:** 9.8 (Critical) - *Estimated based on "Static Credential" classification in CISA KEV*
- **CWE:** CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials)
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)
- **Versions:**
- Versions prior to 7.0.9.1
- Versions prior to 7.2.11.1
- Versions prior to 7.4.7.1
- Versions prior to 7.6.5.1
- Versions prior to 7.7.12.1
- Versions prior to 10.0.1.1
- **Configurations:** Systems running the affected software versions with default or unpatched management interfaces.
## Vulnerability Description
This vulnerability exists due to the presence of static, hard-coded credentials within the Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) software. An attacker could leverage these credentials to gain unauthorized access to the affected device. Depending on the privileges associated with the static account, an attacker could perform administrative tasks, modify firewall policies, or pivot into the internal network protected by the firewall.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** **Exploited in the wild.** (Added to CISA KEV on July 29, 2026).
- **Complexity:** Low
- **Attack Vector:** Network
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High (Full access to management data and configurations)
- **Integrity:** High (Ability to modify security policies)
- **Availability:** High (Potential to disable firewall services or lock out legitimate admins)
## Remediation
### Patches
Cisco has released software updates to address this vulnerability. Users are advised to migrate to the following versions or later:
- **7.0.9.1**
- **7.2.11.1**
- **7.4.7.1**
- **7.6.5.1**
- **7.7.12.1**
- **10.0.1.1**
### Workarounds
There are no documented workarounds that completely eliminate the risk of static credentials. Cisco recommends immediate patching. To limit exposure, ensure the FMC management interface is not accessible from the public internet and is restricted to trusted internal networks (OOB Management).
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Monitor authentication logs for logins using undocumented or default system accounts. Look for unusual policy changes or configuration exports not associated with known administrative sessions.
- **Detection Methods:** Vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys) updated with the latest plugins for CVE-2026-20316.
## References
- **Cisco Security Advisory:** hxxps[://]sec[.]cloudapps[.]cisco[.]com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-fmc-static-cred-BET3Cjh
- **CISA KEV Catalog:** hxxps[://]www[.]cisa[.]gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-20316
- **Cisco General Advisory Listing:** hxxps[://]tools[.]cisco[.]com/security/center/publicationListing[.]x