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Full vulnerability report · 2025
CVE-2025-20281High confidence

Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability

Cisco · Identity Services Engine

Official source article: Cisco CISCO-SA-ISE-UNAUTH-RCE-ZAD2GNJ6 ↗. Check the applicable product and release in the original source.

10.0CriticalCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Mitigate now

CISA confirms exploitation in the wild and lists 2025-08-18 as the remediation due date.

Mitigation available
R
Operational reassessment

Published severity in operational context

Open reassessment dashboard →
Published severityCriticalOperational priority:Critical, unchanged from published severity.unchanged

Evidence used

  • CISA confirms exploitation in the wild.
  • A structured source references public exploit or proof-of-concept material.
  • The selected CVSS metric records a network-reachable, unauthenticated path with no user interaction.
  • EPSS is 97.60% for the current model date.

Compensating controls

  • Apply the linked authoritative mitigation while planning the permanent fix.
  • Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
  • Increase monitoring for the attack path and post-exploitation behaviour described in the report.

Verification

  1. Confirm that the asset runs Cisco Identity Services Engine and falls inside the recorded affected range.
  2. Recheck the vendor advisory before scheduling a change because no verified fixed version is currently retained.
  3. Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
  4. Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Mitigation target: Within 3 daysRemediation target: Within 90 days

This automated reassessment organises public evidence. It does not know asset exposure, business impact or control effectiveness and does not replace CVSS or a human risk decision.

Optional official sources

National CERT insights
?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.

Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.

Official European source

ENISA European Vulnerability Database

Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.

1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier

EUVD-2025-19167

CISA KEV mirrored by ENISA

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.

EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Recorded by ENISA since 28 Jul 2025. Evidence sources: cisa_kev.
ENISA score
10.0 · CVSS 3.1
Advisory evidence
3 linked advisory records
Explicit mitigation evidence

Only statements that explicitly mention a fix, patch, update, workaround or mitigation are shown here.

  • csaf_ncscnl · NCSC-2025-0204Kwetsbaarheden verholpen in Cisco ISE en ISE-PIC
Recommended actionMitigate now

CISA confirms exploitation in the wild and lists 2025-08-18 as the remediation due date.

Mitigation available
01

What, why and how

Cisco Identity Services Engine contains an injection vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input allowing an attacker to exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to perform remote code execution and obtaining root privileges on an affected device.

What

Cisco Identity Services Engine contains an injection vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input allowing an attacker to exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to perform remote code execution and obtaining root privileges on an affected device.

Why

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.

What

Cisco Identity Services Engine contains an injection vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input allowing an attacker to exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to perform remote code execution and obtaining root privileges on an affected device.

Why

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.

02

Exploit reality and attack path

CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.

Observed exploitation
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
Confirmed in the wild

CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 2025-07-28.

Public PoC / exploit material
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
Reference recorded

A structured CVE source labels at least one public reference as exploit material. BlackTree has not independently validated that it is safe, reliable or weaponised.

Likely attack path
a network path → Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') → execute code or commands in the affected security context
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
User interaction
None
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Changed: exploitation can affect a different security authority
Weakness
?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-74 ↗

CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection'). The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

CVSS vector
?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.

AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UINoneUser interaction: No action by another user is required.SChangedScope: The attack can affect a component governed by a different security authority.CHighConfidentiality impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.IHighIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
After compromise, an attacker may use built-in shells, scripting engines, scheduled tasks and native network utilities for discovery, persistence or movement. This is a plausible LoTL path, not evidence that it has occurred for every attack.
NetworkUnauthenticatedRemote code executionCWE-74CISA KEVPublic exploit reference
A

Official authority intelligence

Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.

ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2025-19167Known-exploited evidence recorded

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.

Official EUVD record ↗
BSI · German · WID-SEC-2025-1402Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE): Mehrere Schwachstellen

Ein Angreifer kann mehrere Schwachstellen in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) ausnutzen, um Sicherheitsvorkehrungen zu umgehen, und um beliebigen Programmcode mit Administratorrechten auszuführen.

Official advisory ↗
Cyber Security Agency of Singapore · English · CSA-SB-20250702Security Bulletin 02 JUL 2025

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore included this CVE in its official Security Bulletin 02 JUL 2025, published on 2 July 2025. Open the linked bulletin for the product, severity and reference information published in that issue.

Official advisory ↗
CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2025-AVI-0539Multiples vulnérabilités dans Cisco Identity Services Engine

De multiples vulnérabilités ont été découvertes dans Cisco Identity Services Engine. Elles permettent à un attaquant de provoquer une exécution de code arbitraire à distance. Cisco indique que les vulnérabilités CVE-2025-20281 et CVE-2025-20337 sont activement exploitées.

Official advisory ↗
JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2025-007704シスコシステムズの Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) および Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) におけるインジェクションに関する脆弱性

シスコシステムズの Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) および Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC) には、インジェクションに関する脆弱性が存在します。

Official advisory ↗
KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-6543美 CISA 발표 주요 Exploit 정보공유(Update. 2025-07-28)

Cisco Identity Services Engine contains an injection vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input allowing an attacker to exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to perform remote code execution and obtaining root privileges on an affected device.

Official advisory ↗
KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-6507Cisco 제품 보안 업데이트 권고

Cisco ISE 및 Cisco ISE-PIC의 특정 API에서 발생하는 임의 코드 실행 취약점(CVE-2025-20281) [1][2]

Official advisory ↗
NCSC-NL · Dutch · NCSC-2025-0204Kwetsbaarheden verholpen in Cisco ISE en ISE-PIC

De kwetsbaarheden bevinden zich in de manier waarop Cisco ISE en ISE-PIC bestanden verwerken via APIs en gebruikersinvoer valideren. Ongeauthenticeerde aanvallers met toegang tot de API-interface kunnen deze kwetsbaarheden misbruiken om willekeurige bestanden te uploaden en uit te voeren met root-rechten, evenals om commando's op het onderliggende besturingssysteem uit te voeren. Dit kan leiden tot volledige compromittatie van het kwetsbare systeem. Het is belangrijk om te vermelden dat de kwetsbaarheden in kwestie zijn geïntroduceerd in de recentere versies 3.3 en 3.4. Cisco geeft aan dan versies 3.2 en daarvoor niet kwetsbaar zijn en dat de kwetsbaarheid met kenmerk CVE-2025-20282 niet van toepassing is op versie 3.3. De kwetsbaarheid met kenmerk CVE-2025-20337 stelt een kwaadwillende in staat om willekeurige code uit te voeren, mogelijk met root-rechten. Hierom is voor versie 3.3 een nieuwe update verschenen. Cisco adviseert om met name voor v 3.3 te controleren of patch 7 is ingezet en dit zo nodig te doen. Update: Cisco waarschuwt dat deze kritieke kwetsbaarheden in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) actief worden misbruikt. Hoewel Cisco niet heeft vermeld hoe deze kwetsbaarheden worden geëxploiteerd en of de aanvallen succesvol zijn, raadt het NCSC dringend aan om de beveiligingsupdates zo snel mogelijk toe te passen.

Official advisory ↗
03

Patch and workaround

Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.

Status
?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Mitigation available
Affected
Cisco Identity Services Engine Software: 3.3.0, 3.3 Patch 2, 3.3 Patch 1, 3.3 Patch 3, 3.4.0, 3.3 Patch 4, 3.4 Patch 1, 3.3 Patch 5, 3.3 Patch 6
Fixed
No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
Action
Cisco ISE Cisco ISE-PIC: 3.3 Patch 6 ise-apply-CSCwo99449_3.3.0.430_patch4-SPA Cisco ISE Cisco ISE-PIC: 3.4 Patch 2 ise-apply-CSCwo99449_3.4.0.608_patch1-SPA
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04

Evidence and provenance

Published 25 Jun 2025 · Last source change 26 Feb 2026, 17:50 UTC · CWE-74 · Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')

CVE recordCVE.org · 5.2
CVSS sourceCNA
EPSS source
?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.
FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2025-19167
Product sourceCISA KEV
Remediation sourceCVE/CNA references
CWE sourceCNA
NVD statusNVD enriched

Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.

Material change intelligence

What changed after publication

View recent updates ↗
  1. Vendor guidanceAuthoritative vendor guidance changed: removed remediation: knvd.krcert.or.kr/detail?id=685e24e19f88eb795d95bc70.
    Before
    remediation: knvd.krcert.or.kr/detail?id=685e24e19f88eb795d95bc70 · vendor advisory: sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/cisco-sa-ise-unauth-rce-ZAd2GnJ6
    After
    vendor advisory: sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/cisco-sa-ise-unauth-rce-ZAd2GnJ6
    psirt@cisco.com ↗
  2. Remediation statusRemediation status changed from Mitigation available to Awaiting fix.
    Before
    Mitigation available
    After
    Awaiting fix
    psirt@cisco.com ↗
  3. Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
    Before
    3.3.0; 3.3 Patch 2; 3.3 Patch 1; 3.3 Patch 3; 3.4.0; 3.3 Patch 4; 3.4 Patch 1; 3.3 Patch 5 · Fixed: No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
    After
    Cisco Identity Services Engine Software: 3.3.0, 3.3 Patch 2, 3.3 Patch 1, 3.3 Patch 3, 3.4.0, 3.3 Patch 4, 3.4 Patch 1, 3.3 Patch 5, 3.3 Patch 6 · Fixed: No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
    CNA ↗
  4. Remediation statusRemediation status changed from Awaiting fix to Mitigation available.
    Before
    Awaiting fix
    After
    Mitigation available
    KISA KrCERT/CC ↗
Material fields only · duplicate refreshes suppressed · history retained for the configured operational retention period
CVE published
Added to CISA KEV
Remediation guidance recorded
ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2025-19167↗KISA KrCERT/CC remediation guidance↗CISA KEV record↗CVE authority or vendor reference · Cisco CISCO-SA-ISE-UNAUTH-RCE-ZAD2GNJ6↗Public exploit reference↗Official CVE record (CNA and ADP data)↗NVD record↗
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.
Free version - for non-commercial use only.CVE-2025-20281 · cve.blacktree.nl