CVE-2025-20155: Input Validation

Published May 7, 2025
·
Updated

A vulnerability in the bootstrap loading of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to write arbitrary files to an affected system. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of the bootstrap file that is read by the system software when a device is first deployed in SD-WAN mode or when an administrator configures SD-Routing on the device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying a bootstrap file generated by Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, loading it into the device flash, and then either reloading the device in a green field deployment in SD-WAN mode or configuring the device with SD-Routing. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform arbitrary file writes to the underlying operating system.

Affected Software

29 affected components
Cisco IOS XE Software
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.4
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.4a
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.5
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.5a
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.5b
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.5e
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.5f
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.6
Cisco IOS XE=17.9.6a
Cisco IOS XE=17.11.99sw
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1a
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1w
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1x
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1y
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1z
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.1z1
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.2
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.2a
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.3
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.3a
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.4
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.4a
Cisco IOS XE=17.12.4b
Cisco IOS XE=17.13.1
Cisco IOS XE=17.13.1a
Cisco IOS XE=17.14.1
Cisco IOS XE=17.14.1a

Event History

May 7, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:37 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:37 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-20155?

CVE-2025-20155 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-20155?

To fix CVE-2025-20155, upgrade to a patched version of the Cisco IOS XE Software that addresses the vulnerability.

3

What type of attack can be performed using CVE-2025-20155?

An authenticated, local attacker can exploit CVE-2025-20155 to write arbitrary files on the affected system.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2025-20155?

CVE-2025-20155 affects devices running vulnerable versions of Cisco IOS XE Software.

5

What is the cause of CVE-2025-20155?

CVE-2025-20155 is caused by insufficient input validation of the bootstrap file by the Cisco IOS XE Software.

Contact

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