CVE-2025-20160 — HIGH (8.1)

Vulnerability Description

A vulnerability in the implementation of the TACACS+ protocol in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive data or bypass authentication. This vulnerability exists because the system does not properly check whether the required TACACS+ shared secret is configured. A machine-in-the-middle attacker could exploit this vulnerability by intercepting and reading unencrypted TACACS+ messages or impersonating the TACACS+ server and falsely accepting arbitrary authentication requests. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive information in a TACACS+ message or bypass authentication and gain access to the affected device.

CVSS Score

8.1

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

NETWORK

Attack Complexity

HIGH

Privileges Required

NONE

User Interaction

NONE

Scope

UNCHANGED

Confidentiality

HIGH

Integrity

HIGH

Availability

HIGH

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-287

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/ci

FAQ

What is CVE-2025-20160?

CVE-2025-20160 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.1 (HIGH). A vulnerability in the implementation of the TACACS+ protocol in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive data or bypass authentic...

How severe is CVE-2025-20160?

CVE-2025-20160 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.1/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2025-20160?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.