Ethical Hacking News
Cisco has addressed a critical vulnerability in its IOS XE Wireless Controller that could enable an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files. The company released software updates to mitigate the risk, with the advisory tracking CVE-2025-20188 and a CVSS score of 10.
Cisco Systems has released software updates to mitigate a critical flaw in its IOS XE Wireless Controller (CVE-2025-20188, CVSS score 10). The vulnerability, related to Out-of-Band Access Point Image Download feature, can be exploited by sending crafted HTTPS requests. Users should disable the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature until a fix is applied and assess the impact on their environment. The affected products include various Catalyst models, and users can check if they are affected using the command `show running-config | include ap upgrade`. Applying available software updates as soon as possible is essential to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Cisco Systems has taken swift action to address a critical flaw in its IOS XE Wireless Controller, a vulnerability that could enable an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files. The company released software updates to mitigate the risk, with the advisory tracking CVE-2025-20188 and a CVSS score of 10. This means that a successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root access and execute arbitrary commands.
The vulnerability in question is related to the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs). An attacker can exploit this flaw by sending crafted HTTPS requests to the AP image download interface, potentially gaining access to a vulnerable system. The advisory highlights that an unauthenticated, remote attacker could upload files, perform path traversal, and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
It is essential to note that the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature is disabled by default, and Cisco urges users to disable it until a fix is applied. However, users must assess the impact on their environment first, as there is no workaround available at present. The company has stated that it is not aware of attacks in the wild exploiting this vulnerability.
The affected products include Catalyst 9800-CL Wireless Controllers for Cloud, Catalyst 9800 Embedded Wireless Controller for Catalyst 9300, 9400, and 9500 Series Switches, Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers, and Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst APs. To check if a device is affected, users can run the command `show running-config | include ap upgrade`. If it returns `ap upgrade method https`, then the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature is enabled.
The impact of this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as an unauthenticated, remote attacker could potentially access sensitive information or execute malicious commands on a vulnerable system. Cisco's proactive approach to addressing this vulnerability ensures that network security remains a top priority.
Furthermore, it highlights the importance of software updates and patch management in preventing such vulnerabilities. Users are urged to apply the available software updates as soon as possible to ensure their systems remain secure.
In conclusion, Cisco's swift response to address the critical flaw in its IOS XE Wireless Controller is a testament to the company's commitment to network security. By applying these updates and taking proactive measures, users can minimize the risk of exploitation and protect their networks from potential threats.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Cisco-Addresses-Critical-Flaw-in-IOS-XE-Wireless-Controller-Ensuring-Network-Security-ehn.shtml
Published: Thu May 8 09:41:31 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
