CVE-2025-20337 Overview
A vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as root. The attacker does not require any valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain root privileges on an affected device.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows remote code execution leading to unauthorized root access.
Affected Products
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) 3.3.0 - 3.4.0
- Cisco Identity Services Engine Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) 3.3.0
Discovery Timeline
- Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
- Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Cisco
- Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-20337 assigned
- Not Available - Cisco releases security patch
- 2025-07-16T17:15:30.573 - CVE CVE-2025-20337 published to NVD
- 2025-10-28T13:58:55.447 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-20337
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of input within a particular API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component).
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation, which fails to neutralize control characters and parameters that can be manipulated for code execution.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests via the network to execute code remotely.
# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
import requests
url = "http://target-ip/api/vulnerable-endpoint"
headers = {
"Content-Type": "application/json"
}
data = {
"input": "crafted_payload"
}
response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=data)
print(response.text)
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20337
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual network connections from unknown IPs
- Elevated privileges on the system without authorization
- Unexpected API requests with abnormal parameters
Detection Strategies
Monitor for anomalous API traffic to endpoints handling user inputs and implement signatures to detect payload patterns known to exploit this vulnerability.
Monitoring Recommendations
Utilize network monitoring tools to capture and analyze traffic patterns. Anomalies in API request sizes or payload content should trigger alerts. SentinelOne's Behavioral AI can augment this by correlating events indicative of compromise.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20337
Immediate Actions Required
- Isolate affected systems to prevent further exploitation
- Monitor for repeated exploitation attempt patterns
- Review network access logs for unauthorized ingress/egress traffic
Patch Information
Refer to Cisco's Advisory for details on available patches.
Workarounds
While applying patches is critical, interim network segmentation and strict input validation in API handlers can mitigate risk.
# Configuration example for mitigations
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
