#VU111939 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) - CVE-2025-20281
Published: June 25, 2025 / Updated: November 7, 2025
Vulnerability identifier: #VU111939
Vulnerability risk: Critical
CVSSv4.0: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red
CVE-ID: CVE-2025-20281
CWE-ID: CWE-74
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
The vulnerability is being exploited in the wild
Vulnerable software:
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Software vendor:
Cisco Systems, Inc
Cisco Systems, Inc
Description
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise the affected system.
The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation when handling HTTP requests. A remote non-authenticated attacker can send a specially crafted API request and execute arbitrary code on the system with root privileges.
Remediation
Install updates from vendor's website.