Advisory Published

cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx: Cisco IOS XR Software Image Verification Bypass Vulnerability

First published: Wed Mar 12 2025(Updated: )

A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to bypass Cisco IOS XR image signature verification and load unverified software on an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have root-system privileges on the affected device.This vulnerability is due to incomplete validation of files in the boot verification process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the system configuration options to bypass some of the integrity checks that are performed during the boot process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to control the boot configuration, which could enable them to bypass the requirement to run Cisco-signed images or alter the security properties of the running system.Note: Because exploitation of this vulnerability could result in the attacker bypassing Cisco image verification, Cisco has raised the Security Impact Rating (SIR) of this advisory from Medium to High.Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.This advisory is available at the following link:https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvxThis advisory is part of the March 2025 release of the Cisco IOS XR Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication. For a complete list of the advisories and links to them, see Cisco Event Response: March 2025 Semiannual Cisco IOS XR Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication.

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
Cisco IOS XRv 9000

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the severity of cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx?

    The severity of cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx is rated as high due to the potential for unauthorized software to be loaded on affected devices.

  • How do I fix cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx?

    To fix cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx, ensure that all installations of Cisco IOS XR Software are updated to the latest patched version provided by Cisco.

  • Who is affected by cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx?

    Only devices running Cisco IOS XR Software are affected by cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx.

  • What are the potential consequences of cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx?

    The potential consequences of cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx include unauthorized access to the system, installation of malicious software, and compromise of device integrity.

  • Is authentication required to exploit cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx?

    Yes, authentication is required for an attacker to exploit cisco-sa-ios-xr-verii-bypass-HhPwQRvx, as they need root-system privileges.

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