CVE-2026-20146 identity services engine passive identity connector vulnerability
A vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform path traversal attacks on the underlying operating system to either read or delete arbitrary files. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid administrative credentials. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to access sensitive files or delete arbitrary files on the affected system.
Quick answer
cisco identity services engine passive identity connector should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- 3.3.0
- 3.4.0
- 3.5.0
Fixed versions
- Apply the latest vendor-supported patched version.
How to fix it
CVE-2026-20146 affects cisco identity services engine passive identity connector and is rated medium. A vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform path traversal attacks on the underlying operating system to either read or delete arbitrary files. Fix this first on internet-facing or admin systems. The practical fix is to upgrade to the latest vendor-supported patched release listed in the advisory, then verify the system is no longer exposed.
- Inventory every server, container, appliance, cluster, plugin, or device that uses cisco identity services engine passive identity connector.
- Check the installed version and configuration against CVE-2026-20146 and the linked advisory.
- Apply the vendor fix: upgrade to the latest vendor-supported patched release listed in the advisory.
- Limit ISE admin access, remove public management exposure, and allow management only from trusted networks.
- Disable or isolate the affected feature if you cannot update right away.
- Review admin and file access logs for unusual read, delete, or path traversal activity.
- Rotate secrets, rebuild affected systems, or reset sessions if you suspect compromise.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm cisco identity services engine passive identity connector is running the patched version or the approved mitigation is active.
- Confirm affected public, admin, API, tunnel, or cluster access is limited to trusted users.
- Repeat the risky workflow or a safe test case and confirm the issue no longer appears.
- Review logs again after the fix for crashes, bypass attempts, file access, or suspicious changes.
- Save version, config, log, and scan evidence for your remediation record.
Related categories
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2026-20146?
cisco identity services engine passive identity connector versions listed as affected should be reviewed: 3.3.0, 3.4.0, 3.5.0.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
How are Fixnx security risk categories chosen?
Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page and assigns only broad, relevant categories such as ecosystem, technology area, or vulnerability class.