Cybersecurity authorities are issuing renewed, urgent warnings about the active exploitation of a critical Cisco IOS XE vulnerability (CVE-2023-20198). Attackers are exploiting unpatched devices to deploy a persistent web shell named “BADCANDY,” giving them full control over the compromised router or switch.
Business Impact
Compromising a core network device like a Cisco router is one of the most severe security failures. Attackers can monitor all network traffic, bypass firewalls, intercept data, and pivot deep into the corporate network. The BADCANDY implant can survive reboots, making it extremely difficult to remove.
Why It Happened
Despite patches being available for some time, thousands of internet-facing Cisco devices remain unpatched. Attackers are continuously scanning for and compromising these vulnerable systems to build a network of compromised infrastructure for future attacks.
Recommended Executive Action
Mandate an immediate audit of all Cisco IOS XE devices. Ensure all internet-facing devices are patched against CVE-2023-20198. If patching was delayed, organizations *must* assume compromise and follow CISA’s guidance to hunt for the BADCANDY implant.
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