CVE-2025-20331 in Identity Services Engine Software
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2025
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a stored XSS attack against a user of the interface.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into specific pages of the interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive, browser-based information. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have at least a low-privileged account on the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC web-based management interfaces contain a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables authenticated remote attackers to execute malicious code within the browser context of legitimate users. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing or storing it within the system. The flaw exists in the way the interface handles user input across multiple pages, creating opportunities for persistent script injection attacks that can persist beyond the initial exploitation attempt.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess at least a low-privileged account on the affected system, which significantly reduces the barrier to entry for malicious actors. Once authenticated, the attacker can inject malicious scripts into input fields or parameters within the web interface that are then stored and subsequently executed when other users access the affected pages. This stored XSS vector allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the victim user's browser session, potentially enabling full compromise of the user's session and access to sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a significant risk to the integrity of the web-based management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the management interface, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or other privileged information. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, allowing for prolonged exploitation periods and making detection more difficult. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1531 for Account Access Removal and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how a seemingly minor input validation flaw can enable broader compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced input validation controls, regular security scanning of web interfaces, and monitoring for suspicious user activity patterns. Network segmentation and privilege escalation controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of compromised low-privileged accounts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly in management interfaces that handle sensitive administrative functions. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, and additional security controls such as web application firewalls should be considered to provide layered protection against similar vulnerabilities.