Is CVE-2025-20314 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2025-20314 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2025-20314 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2025-20314 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-20314?

CVE-2025-20314 has a CVSS score of 6.7 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUM

CVE-2025-20314

CWE-232Published: September 24, 2025· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

6.7

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with level-15 privileges or an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to an affected device to execute persistent code at boot time and break the chain of trust. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of software packages. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by placing a crafted file into a specific location on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute persistent code on the underlying operating system. Because this vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass a major security feature of a device, Cisco has raised the Security Impact Rating (SIR) of this advisory from Medium to High.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2025-20314 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires high privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 6.7.