CVE-2025-20337
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as root.
Published Jul 17, 2025 · Updated Feb 26, 2026 · Also known as TR-25-0155
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2025-20337 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 and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 21, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 74% 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.
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)
74%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2025-20337 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as root. The attacker does not require any valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain root privileges on an affected device.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 21, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jul 28, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
20 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Services EngineCisco | 3.3.0, 3.3.0-patch1, 3.3.0-patch2, 3.3.0-patch3, 3.3.0-patch4, 3.3.0-patch5, 3.3.0-patch6, 3.4.0 | n/a |
| Identity Services Engine Passive Identity ConnectorCisco | 3.3.0, 3.3.0-patch1, 3.3.0-patch2, 3.3.0-patch3, 3.3.0-patch4, 3.3.0-patch5, 3.3.0-patch6, 3.4.0 | n/a |
| Cisco Identity Services Engine Software | >= 3.3.0 | n/a |
| Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector | >= 3.2.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 17, 2025
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 21, 2025
Added to CISA KEV
Jul 28, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 28, 2025
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jul 28, 2025
Last updated
Feb 26, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-20337
- advisorycisco-sa-ise-unauth-rce-ZAd2GnJ6
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as root.
Affected: Identity Services Engine (Cisco) versions 3.3.0, 3.3.0-patch1, 3.3.0-patch2, 3.3.0-patch3, 3.3.0-patch4, 3.3.0-patch5, 3.3.0-patch6, 3.4.0; Identity Services Engine Passive Identity Connector (Cisco) versions 3.3.0, 3.3.0-patch1, 3.3.0-patch2, 3.3.0-patch3, 3.3.0-patch4, 3.3.0-patch5, 3.3.0-patch6, 3.4.0; Cisco Identity Services Engine Software versions >= 3.3.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 21, 2025.
Yes. It was added on Jul 28, 2025 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 18, 2025.
Public exploit code is available.
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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