CVE-2025-20281
Published: July 28, 2025
Official Description
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.
CISA KEV Advisory
Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability
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.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This injection vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and ISE-PIC allows an attacker to perform remote code execution and obtain root privileges. Its presence in the KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.30416 indicate a high likelihood of exploitation, making it an urgent concern for Cisco ISE administrators.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in the KEV catalog. The flaw allows remote code execution and root privilege escalation through crafted API requests.
Apply the latest security updates and patches for Cisco Identity Services Engine and ISE-PIC to address this injection vulnerability. Implement robust input validation for API requests to prevent exploitation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-20281 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2025-20281 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2025-20281 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1