A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with privilege level 15 to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation when processing specific configuration commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input in specific configuration commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. The security impact rating (SIR) of this advisory has been raised to High because an attacker could gain access to the underlying operating system of the affected device and perform potentially undetected actions. Note: The attacker must have privileges to enter configuration mode on the affected device. This is usually referred to as privilege level 15.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 6.7, categorizing it as medium severity. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive system configurations and the ability to execute malicious actions on affected devices. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its classification, it is imperative for organizations utilizing Cisco IOS XE Software to assess their exposure and implement remediation measures.
Currently, there are no known public exploits or proof of concept code available for this vulnerability, which suggests that active exploitation may not be occurring at this time. However, the potential for exploitation remains a concern.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with privilege level 15 to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation when processing specific configuration commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input in specific configuration commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. The affected product is Cisco IOS XE. The publication date of this vulnerability was May 7, 2025.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation when processing configuration commands. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have access to the affected device. The attack complexity is low, and the attacker requires high privileges (level 15) to exploit this vulnerability. User interaction is not required for exploitation. The confidentiality impact is low, while the integrity impact is high, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized changes to system configurations. There is no impact on availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive configurations on affected devices, potentially leading to further exploitation or data breaches. The blast radius of this vulnerability is significant due to the ability to elevate privileges to the root level, allowing attackers full control over the device. Given the medium CVSS score, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Ensure that devices are updated to the latest version of Cisco IOS XE Software. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to mitigate the risk.
Detection Guidance
Monitor for log indicators that may suggest unauthorized access or configuration changes. Pay attention to behavioral anomalies in device operations that may indicate exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous security assessments and remediation efforts. Organizations are encouraged to review their security posture and implement robust monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts promptly.
For further reading on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to our vulnerability management program that outlines best practices for maintaining system security.
In addition, organizations should consider penetration testing as a proactive measure to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.
For insights into effective security practices, organizations may also explore our guide on cloud security assessments which focuses on assessing cloud-based infrastructures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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