CVE-2026-20174
Description
A vulnerability in the Metadata update feature of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to write arbitrary files to an affected system.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of the metadata update file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a metadata update file and manually uploading it to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to write arbitrary files to the underlying operating system as the root user. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid administrative credentials. Note: Manual uploading of metadata files is typical for Air-Gap environments but not for Cisco Intersight Cloud connected devices. However, the manual upload option exists for both deployments.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Authenticated admin users can write arbitrary files as root via insufficient validation of uploaded metadata update files in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights.
Vulnerability
Overview
A vulnerability in the Metadata update feature of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights (CVE-2026-20174) allows an authenticated, remote attacker to write arbitrary files to an affected system. The root cause is insufficient validation of the metadata update file during the manual upload process [1].
Exploitation
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must possess valid administrative credentials for the affected Nexus Dashboard Insights instance. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious metadata update file and manually uploading it to the device. Notably, while manual uploading is typical for Air-Gap environments, the manual upload option also exists for deployments connected to Cisco Intersight Cloud, widening the potential attack surface [1].
Impact
A successful exploit enables the attacker to write arbitrary files to the underlying operating system with root privileges. This could lead to full compromise of the affected system, including the ability to execute arbitrary code, install persistent backdoors, or disrupt service [1].
Mitigation
Cisco has released fixed software versions. For Nexus Dashboard Insights releases 6.5 and earlier, customers must migrate to a fixed Nexus Dashboard release. For unified Nexus Dashboard releases, upgrading to version 4.2 or later addresses the vulnerability. Cisco recommends upgrading to the fixed releases as indicated in the security advisory; no workarounds are available [1].
AI Insight generated on May 18, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
1Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
1News mentions
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