Cisco Identity Services Engine Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs Vulnerability

What it is

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) contain an incorrect use of privileged APIs vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to the affected device by bypassing the web-based management interface.

Who's affected

Anyone using Cisco Identity Services Engine.

Under attack?

Yes. CISA added this to its catalog of actively exploited vulnerabilities on Sep 16, 2026.

What to do

Install the vendor's security update. If there isn't one yet, apply the vendor's workaround, or stop using the product until it's fixed. CISA lists this as actively exploited, so treat it as urgent.

Fixed in

See the vendor's advisory

CISA deadline

Federal agencies must fix this by Sep 19, 2026. Everyone else should treat that as a ceiling, not a target.

CISA's instruction

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

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