CVE-2025-20161
MediumWhat is CVE-2025-20161?
A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
CVSS 3.1Requires local access — attacker must be logged in or have physical access to the device.
No special conditions required. Exploit can be performed reliably and repeatedly.
Administrative or root-level privileges required to exploit.
No user interaction required. Exploit runs without any victim action.
Exploiting the vulnerability only affects the vulnerable component itself.
Some sensitive information is disclosed, but attacker has limited access.
Complete loss of integrity. Attacker can modify any file or data on the component.
No availability impact. Service remains fully operational.
Known Affected Devices
FAQ
CVE-2025-20161 has a CVSS score of 5.1/10, rated as Medium. Review the affected products list and apply vendor patches.
CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) rates vulnerability severity from 0.0 to 10.0. CVE-2025-20161 scores 5.1/10 (Medium). Scores 9.0–10.0 are Critical, 7.0–8.9 are High, 4.0–6.9 are Medium, and below 4.0 are Low.
The list of devices confirmed to be affected by CVE-2025-20161 is shown in the "Affected Devices" section above. Check your firmware version against the vendor security advisory and apply the latest patch.
Apply the latest firmware or software update from the vendor. Check the References section above for official advisories and patch notes. If no patch is available, consider disabling the affected feature or isolating the device from untrusted networks.