CVE-2025-20161 — MEDIUM (5.1)

Vulnerability Description

A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges.  Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.

CVSS Score

5.1

MEDIUM

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

Attack Vector

LOCAL

Attack Complexity

LOW

Privileges Required

HIGH

User Interaction

NONE

Scope

UNCHANGED

Confidentiality

LOW

Integrity

HIGH

Availability

NONE

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-78

References

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

FAQ

What is CVE-2025-20161?

CVE-2025-20161 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.1 (MEDIUM). A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with vali...

How severe is CVE-2025-20161?

CVE-2025-20161 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.1/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2025-20161?

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