CVE-2026-20042 Cisco Nexus Dashboard Configuration REST API Unauthorized Access Vulnerability

Medium 6.5 Published 1 Apr 2026 Updated 2 Apr 2026

An attacker with backup files and encryption keys can extract credentials to access internal APIs and execute arbitrary commands as root.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: An administrator
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-20042?

CVE-2026-20042 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard, published on 1 Apr 2026. An attacker needs administrator access to exploit it, with no action from the victim.

Official description

A vulnerability in the configuration backup feature of Cisco Nexus Dashboard could allow an attacker who has the encryption password and access to Full or Config-only backup files to access sensitive information. This vulnerability exists because authentication details are included in the encrypted backup files. An attacker with a valid backup file and encryption password from an affected device could decrypt the backup file. The attacker could then use the authentication details in the backup file to access internal-only APIs on the affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user.

Weakness: CWE-295

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20042?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Cisco Nexus Dashboard.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20042?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-20042 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2026-20042 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-20042 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-4jcc-jgc6-vpm7.