CVE-2025-20199

CVE-2025-20199 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Ios Xe with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with privilege level 15 to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation when processing specific configuration commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input in specific configuration commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. The security impact rating (SIR) of this advisory has been raised to High because an attacker could gain access to the underlying operating system of the affected device and perform potentially undetected actions. Note: The attacker must have privileges to enter configuration mode on the affected device. This is usually referred to as privilege level 15.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-20199?
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with privilege level 15 to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation when processing specific configuration commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including crafted input in specific configuration commands. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. The security impact rating (SIR) of this advisory has been raised to High because an attacker could gain access to the underlying operating system of the affected device and perform potentially undetected actions. Note: The attacker must have privileges to enter configuration mode on the affected device. This is usually referred to as privilege level 15.
How severe is CVE-2025-20199?
CVE-2025-20199 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.6, 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 low, and availability none.
Is CVE-2025-20199 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-20199?
CVE-2025-20199 primarily affects Cisco Ios Xe. In total, 406 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-20199?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-20199 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-20199 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-13883.
When was CVE-2025-20199 published?
CVE-2025-20199 was published on 2025-05-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (406)

More vulnerabilities in Cisco Ios Xe

All CVEs affecting Cisco Ios Xe →