CVE-2025-20188IOS Xe Hardcoded Credentials
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…
Published May 7, 2025 · Updated Jun 23, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2025-20188 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v3.1) affecting IOS Xe (Cisco), Cisco IOS XE Software.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 10, 2025. A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
- EPSS estimates a 27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
10.0
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
27%
Higher than 98.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
None known
ATLAS score
35/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Jun 10, 2025
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
None known
Public exploit code
0
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
4
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisorycisco-sa-wlc-file-uplpd-rHZG9UfC
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jun 10, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
8 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IOS XeCisco | 17.11.1, 17.11.99sw, 17.12.1, 17.12.2, 17.12.3, 17.13.1, 17.14.1 | n/a |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | >= 17.11.1 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 7, 2025
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jun 10, 2025
Last updated
Jun 23, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-798 Use of Hard-coded Credentials
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: IOS Xe (Cisco) versions 17.11.1, 17.11.99sw, 17.12.1, 17.12.2, 17.12.3, 17.13.1, 17.14.1; Cisco IOS XE Software versions >= 17.11.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 10, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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