CVE-2025-20197
MediumWhat is CVE-2025-20197?
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.
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 can affect other components beyond the vulnerable one.
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-2025-20197 has a CVSS score of 6.7/10, 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-2025-20197 scores 6.7/10 (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-2025-20197 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.