MEDIUM · 6.7

CVE-2025-20143

A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Secure Boot functionality and load unverified software on a...

Vulnerability Description

A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Secure Boot functionality and load unverified software on an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have root-system privileges on the affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient verification of modules in the software load process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the loaded binaries to bypass some of the integrity checks that are performed during the booting process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to control the boot configuration, which could enable them to bypass the requirement to run Cisco-signed images or alter the security properties of the running system. Note: This vulnerability affects Cisco IOS XR Software, not the Secure Boot feature. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.

CVSS Score

6.7

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector
LOCAL
Attack Complexity
LOW
Privileges Required
HIGH
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH

Affected Products

VendorProductVersions
CiscoIos Xr< 7.9.1

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2025-20143?

CVE-2025-20143 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.7 (MEDIUM). A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Secure Boot functionality and load unverified software on a...

How severe is CVE-2025-20143?

CVE-2025-20143 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.7/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2025-20143?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Cisco Ios Xr.