PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-76454 Cisco CVE debrief
A vulnerability in the Cisco Smart Licensing Utility API of Cisco License On-Prem could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to write arbitrary files to the system or cause a DoS condition. This vulnerability is due to improper input validation and a lack of authentication in the management API. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the affected API. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify system files or cause a DoS condition.
- Vendor
- Cisco
- Product
- Cisco License On-Prem
- CVSS
- CRITICAL 9.1
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-10-07
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-10-07
- Advisory published
- 2026-10-07
- Advisory updated
- 2026-10-07
Who should care
Defenders responsible for Cisco License On-Prem systems, particularly those with internet-exposed management interfaces, should assess exposure and prioritize patching. System administrators and security teams should review the Cisco security advisory and apply patches or compensating controls as needed.
Why it matters
CVE-2026-76454 is a critical vulnerability in Cisco License On-Prem that could allow an unauthenticated attacker to modify system files or cause a DoS condition. Defenders should prioritize patching, verify affected versions, and implement compensating controls to limit exposure.
- Potential unauthorized modification of system files.
- Possible disruption of service due to DoS condition.
- Need for verification of affected versions and exposure.
- Priority for patching or applying compensating controls.
Technical summary
The vulnerability is due to improper input validation and a lack of authentication in the management API of Cisco License On-Prem. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the affected API, potentially allowing the attacker to write arbitrary files to the system or cause a DoS condition. This vulnerability affects Cisco License On-Prem systems, particularly those with internet-exposed management interfaces, and defenders should prioritize patching and verify affected versions.
Defensive priority
High
Recommended defensive actions
- Review and apply the Cisco security advisory for patching guidance.
- Conduct an inventory check to identify affected Cisco License On-Prem versions.
- Implement compensating controls, such as network access controls, to limit exposure.
- Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to the API.
- Verify affected versions and exposure.
- Track exceptions and retest remediated assets.
- Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets.
Evidence notes
The CVE record and source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description, CVSS score, and affected versions. Defenders should verify affected Cisco License On-Prem versions, review Cisco security advisories for patching guidance, and implement compensating controls to limit exposure. Evidence is limited to public CVE Program and source item records. Further verification tasks are needed to confirm affected scope and exposure.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2026-76454 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-76454
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
-
CVE-2026-76454 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-76454
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
-
Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem Unauthenticated API Vulnerability
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/76xxx/CVE-2026-76454.json
cve_program_cvelist_v5
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ssm-access-nttb2dhE
Supplemental source
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.