Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

The impact of CVE-2025-20282 is severe. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain root-level access to the Cisco ISE device. This could lead to complete system compromise, including data exfiltration, modification of system configurations, and deployment of malicious software. Given the critical role ISE often plays in network authentication and access control, a compromised ISE device could provide an attacker with a foothold to pivot and compromise other systems within the network. The ability to execute arbitrary code as root significantly expands the attack surface and potential damage. This vulnerability shares similarities with other file upload vulnerabilities where inadequate validation allows for code execution, potentially enabling similar attack patterns.

Organizations heavily reliant on Cisco ISE for network access control are at significant risk. This includes enterprises, educational institutions, and government agencies. Environments with legacy ISE deployments or those lacking robust security monitoring practices are particularly vulnerable. Shared hosting environments utilizing Cisco ISE are also at increased risk due to the potential for cross-tenant exploitation.

• linux / server: Monitor ISE logs (typically located in /var/log/ise/) for unusual file uploads or execution attempts. Use journalctl -f to monitor real-time log activity.

journalctl -f | grep -i "upload" | grep -i "execute"

• cisco: Use Cisco's Security Monitoring and Threat Detection (SMTD) tools to detect suspicious file upload patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Check Cisco's Threat Response Intelligence Center (CTRIC) for relevant signatures. • generic web: Monitor network traffic for unusual HTTP POST requests to ISE API endpoints, especially those related to file uploads. Use curl to test endpoint exposure.

curl -v -X POST -F "[email protected]" <ISE_IP>/api/upload

1. 2025-06-25Disclosure

   disclosure

1. Reserviert2024-10-10
2. Veröffentlicht2025-06-25
3. Geändert2026-02-26
4. EPSS aktualisiert2026-03-23

The primary mitigation for CVE-2025-20282 is to upgrade to a patched version of Cisco ISE as soon as it becomes available. Until the upgrade can be performed, consider implementing temporary workarounds. Restrict file uploads to the ISE device as much as possible, limiting access to authorized users and applications. Implement strict file type validation and size limits to prevent the upload of malicious files. Monitor ISE logs for any suspicious file upload activity or unusual process execution. Consider deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious requests targeting the vulnerable API. After upgrading, verify the fix by attempting a file upload with a known malicious payload and confirming that it is rejected.