CVE-2025-20338 — MEDIUM (6.0)

Vulnerability Description

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user arguments that are passed to specific CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging in to the device CLI with valid administrative (level 15) credentials and using crafted commands at the CLI prompt. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root.

CVSS Score

6.0

MEDIUM

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

Attack Vector

LOCAL

Attack Complexity

LOW

Privileges Required

HIGH

User Interaction

NONE

Scope

UNCHANGED

Confidentiality

HIGH

Integrity

HIGH

Availability

NONE

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.5.0e

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-141

References

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

FAQ

What is CVE-2025-20338?

CVE-2025-20338 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.0 (MEDIUM). A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system...

How severe is CVE-2025-20338?

CVE-2025-20338 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.0/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2025-20338?

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