CVE-2025-20274: Cisco Unified Intelligence Center RCE Flaw

CVE-2025-20274 Overview

A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Unified Intelligence Center could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of files that are uploaded to the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading arbitrary files to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to store malicious files on the system and execute arbitrary commands on the operating system.

Critical Impact

Attackers with valid credentials (Report Designer role or higher) can upload malicious files, execute arbitrary commands, and elevate privileges to root on affected Cisco Unified Intelligence Center and Unified Contact Center Express systems.

Affected Products

• Cisco Unified Intelligence Center versions 10.5(1) through 12.6(2)
• Cisco Unified Contact Center Express versions 10.5(1) through 12.5(1)_SU03_ES06
• Multiple Service Update (SU) and Engineering Special (ES) releases across both product lines

Discovery Timeline

• July 16, 2025 - CVE-2025-20274 published to NVD
• July 22, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-20274

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability (CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) affects the web-based management interface of Cisco Unified Intelligence Center. The application fails to properly validate uploaded files, allowing authenticated attackers to bypass file type restrictions and upload potentially malicious content to the server. Once uploaded, these files can be leveraged to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system.

The attack requires valid credentials with at least Report Designer role privileges, making this a post-authentication exploitation scenario. However, the impact is severe as successful exploitation enables privilege escalation to root, granting complete control over the affected system.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper validation of files uploaded through the web-based management interface. The application does not adequately verify file types, content, or extensions before accepting uploads, allowing attackers to circumvent intended security controls. This lack of proper input validation on uploaded files enables the storage of arbitrary file types that can include executable scripts or web shells.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted remotely over the network against the web-based management interface. An attacker must first obtain valid credentials for a user account with at least the Report Designer role. Once authenticated, the attacker can exploit the file upload functionality to:

1. Upload malicious files (such as web shells or scripts) to the target system
2. Access the uploaded files to trigger execution
3. Execute arbitrary commands on the operating system
4. Escalate privileges to root level access

The network-based attack vector combined with low attack complexity and no required user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed management interfaces.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20274

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file uploads in web application directories, particularly files with executable extensions (.php, .jsp, .sh, etc.)
• Unusual process execution originating from web server processes
• Unauthorized privilege escalation events or root-level activities by web application service accounts
• Anomalous outbound network connections from Cisco CUIC or UCCX servers

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for unusual file upload activity, particularly from Report Designer accounts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on upload directories to detect unauthorized file additions
• Review authentication logs for suspicious login patterns to accounts with Report Designer or higher privileges
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify malicious file execution and command injection attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed audit logging on Cisco Unified Intelligence Center and Unified Contact Center Express systems
• Configure SIEM alerts for file upload events combined with subsequent command execution patterns
• Monitor for web shell signatures and known malicious file patterns in uploaded content
• Track privileged account usage and alert on unusual access patterns from Report Designer role accounts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20274

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the security patches referenced in the Cisco Security Advisory immediately
• Audit all accounts with Report Designer role or higher privileges and remove unnecessary access
• Review recent file uploads for any suspicious or unexpected files
• Restrict network access to the web-based management interface to trusted administrative networks only

Patch Information

Cisco has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Cisco Security Advisory (cisco-sa-cuis-file-upload-UhNEtStm) for specific patch versions and upgrade paths for their installed product versions. Given the severity and the potential for root-level privilege escalation, patching should be prioritized.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the management interface from untrusted networks
• Apply strict access controls and audit Report Designer role assignments, limiting them to essential personnel only
• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to inspect and block suspicious file uploads where possible
• Disable or restrict file upload functionality if not operationally required until patches can be applied

# Example: Restrict management interface access via firewall
# Block external access to CUIC management ports
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

# Verify current user roles in CUIC (review for unnecessary Report Designer access)
# Access Administration > User Management in CUIC web interface