CVE-2025-20188 — CRITICAL (10.0)

Vulnerability Description

A vulnerability in the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download, the Clean Air Spectral Recording, and the client debug bundles features of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected system. This vulnerability is due to the presence of a hard-coded JSON Web Token (JWT) on an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTPS requests to the AP file upload interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to upload files, perform path traversal, and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.

CVSS Score

10.0

CRITICAL

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

Attack Vector

NETWORK

Attack Complexity

LOW

Privileges Required

NONE

User Interaction

NONE

Scope

CHANGED

Confidentiality

HIGH

Integrity

HIGH

Availability

HIGH

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ios Xe	17.11.1

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-798

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/ciVendor Advisory
https://horizon3.ai/attack-research/attack-blogs/cisco-ios-xe-wlc-arbitrary-fileExploitThird Party Advisory

FAQ

What is CVE-2025-20188?

CVE-2025-20188 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 10.0 (CRITICAL). A vulnerability in the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download, the Clean Air Spectral Recording, and the client debug bundles features of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs...

How severe is CVE-2025-20188?

CVE-2025-20188 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 10.0/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.

Is there a patch for CVE-2025-20188?

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