CVE-2025-20281

Description

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.

CVSS v3.1 Score

10.0

CRITICAL

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability

This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild.

Added: Jul 28, 2025 Remediation due: Aug 18, 2025

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-74 CWE-74

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All
cisco	identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector	All

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-20281? +

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. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 10.0 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild.

How severe is CVE-2025-20281? +

CVE-2025-20281 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 10.0 out of 10, rated CRITICAL. This is a critical vulnerability that should be patched immediately.

What products are affected by CVE-2025-20281? +

CVE-2025-20281 affects products from cisco, specifically: identity_services_engine, identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2025-20281? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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