CVE-2025-20282Identity Services Engine Vulnerability
A vulnerability in an internal API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected device and then execute those files on the underlying operating system as root.
Published Jun 26, 2025 · Updated Feb 26, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2025-20282 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v3.1) affecting Identity Services Engine (Cisco), Identity Services Engine Passive Identity Connector (Cisco), Cisco Identity Services Engine Software.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Jan 20, 2026. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 39% 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)
39%
Higher than 98.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
None known
ATLAS score
39/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Jan 20, 2026
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
2
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisorycisco-sa-ise-unauth-rce-ZAd2GnJ6
- advisoryUSOM advisory
Description
A vulnerability in an internal API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected device and then execute those files on the underlying operating system as root.
This vulnerability is due a lack of file validation checks that would prevent uploaded files from being placed in privileged directories on an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a crafted file to the affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to store malicious files on the affected system and then execute arbitrary code or obtain root privileges on the system.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 20, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 20, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Services EngineCisco | 3.4.0, 3.4.0-patch1 | n/a |
| Identity Services Engine Passive Identity ConnectorCisco | 3.4.0, 3.4.0-patch1 | n/a |
| Cisco Identity Services Engine Software | >= 3.4.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 26, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 20, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 20, 2026
Last updated
Feb 26, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
References
- advisorycisco-sa-ise-unauth-rce-ZAd2GnJ6
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in an internal API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected device and then execute those files on the underlying operating system as root.
Affected: Identity Services Engine (Cisco) versions 3.4.0, 3.4.0-patch1; Identity Services Engine Passive Identity Connector (Cisco) versions 3.4.0, 3.4.0-patch1; Cisco Identity Services Engine Software versions >= 3.4.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Jan 20, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
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.
Is CVE-2025-20282 On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.
Request A Demo