CVE-2013-5538 Missing authorization in n/a
Remote attackers can read arbitrary files in Cisco ISE Sponsor Portal due to weak file permissions, requiring no authentication.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2013-5538?
CVE-2013-5538 is a medium-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine, published on 16 Oct 2013. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The Sponsor Portal in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) uses weak permissions for uploaded files, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a direct request, aka Bug ID CSCui67506.
Weakness: CWE-264
Which versions are affected by CVE-2013-5538?
It affects 2 products.
Products include Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Identity Services Engine Software.
How do I fix CVE-2013-5538?
No fix has been published for CVE-2013-5538 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.
Is CVE-2013-5538 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2013-5538 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine
- CVE-2026-76460 Cisco Identity Services Engine Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs
- CVE-2025-20337 Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection
- CVE-2025-20281 Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection
- CVE-2026-20130 Cisco Identity Services Engine Hardening Release - Improper Neutralization Vulnerabilities
- CVE-2026-20192 Cisco Identity Services Engine Hardening Release - Access Control Vulnerabilities
Sources
Also known as GHSA-p4gw-4f9m-3rw4.