CVE-2025-20220
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local attackers with Administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands as root on Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) and Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) systems. The issue stems from improper input validation in specific CLI commands, enabling command injection. Organizations using affected Cisco firewall management software are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)
- Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD)
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the firewall management system, allowing attackers to pivot to other network segments, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt security operations.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation leading to unauthorized configuration changes, installation of backdoors, or lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to strong access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires administrative credentials and knowledge of vulnerable CLI commands.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Cisco advisory for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-fmc-ftd-cmdinj-PhE7kmT
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Upgrade to fixed versions listed in advisory. 3. Apply patches following Cisco's upgrade procedures.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Administrative Access
allLimit CLI access to trusted administrators only and implement strict access controls.
Monitor CLI Activity
allEnable detailed logging of CLI commands and monitor for suspicious activity.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and least privilege for administrative accounts
- Monitor and audit all CLI command execution for anomalies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current software version against affected versions in Cisco advisoryCheck Version:
show version (on affected devices)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify software version matches fixed versions listed in Cisco advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CLI command sequences
- Commands with unexpected parameters or shell metacharacters
- Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from firewall management systems
SIEM Query:
Search for CLI command logs containing shell metacharacters or suspicious command chaining