CVE-2025-20161
CVE-2025-20161 is a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.1)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (37th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-5296
- Weakness: CWE-78
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-20161?
- A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.
- How severe is CVE-2025-20161?
- CVE-2025-20161 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.1, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2025-20161 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-20161?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2025-20161 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-20161 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-5296.
- When was CVE-2025-20161 published?
- CVE-2025-20161 was published on 2025-02-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
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