CVE-2025-20194 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, remote attacker to perform an injection attack against an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted input to the web-based management interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read limited files from the underlying operating system or clear the syslog and licensing logs on the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2025
This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco IOS XE Software, representing a significant security weakness that undermines the integrity of network device administration. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage crafted inputs to manipulate the interface's behavior, potentially compromising the security posture of the affected network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects devices running Cisco IOS XE Software versions that are susceptible to this specific input validation weakness, making it a widespread concern across numerous network deployments that rely on Cisco's enterprise networking solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic injection attack vector where insufficient validation allows malicious input to bypass normal processing controls. When an authenticated attacker submits crafted data through the web interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in system operations. This weakness enables the attacker to manipulate underlying system functions through the web management portal, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the input handling mechanisms within the web interface, where user-provided data is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing for command injection or file system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system information and manipulate device logs. Successful exploitation could enable an attacker to read limited files from the underlying operating system, potentially exposing configuration data, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the device. Additionally, the ability to clear syslog and licensing logs represents a significant concern for network monitoring and compliance requirements, as it could mask malicious activities and hinder forensic investigations. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of system logs, which are critical for network security monitoring and incident response procedures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability, including restricting access to the web management interface through network segmentation and implementing strong access controls. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches from Cisco, which address the input validation deficiencies in the web interface components. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web management services when not required, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and establishing robust monitoring of web interface access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity frameworks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication and credential access, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network environment.
Mitigation efforts should focus on comprehensive network access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across the enterprise infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper sanitization techniques in web applications, particularly those with administrative privileges. Organizations must also establish incident response procedures that account for potential log manipulation attacks, ensuring that alternative monitoring mechanisms remain effective even when standard logging systems are compromised. Regular security awareness training for administrators and implementation of automated vulnerability scanning tools can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.