CVE-2025-20290
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local attackers on affected Cisco devices to access sensitive information like stored credentials through improperly logged data. It affects Cisco Nexus 3000/9000 series switches and UCS fabric interconnects running vulnerable NX-OS versions. Attackers must have local access to the device's file system to exploit this information disclosure flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches
- Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches (standalone NX-OS mode)
- Cisco UCS 6400 Fabric Interconnects
- Cisco UCS 6500 Series Fabric Interconnects
- Cisco UCS 9108 100G Fabric Interconnects
⚠️ 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
Attackers obtain administrative credentials, leading to full device compromise, lateral movement, and potential network-wide breaches.
Likely Case
Local users with limited privileges escalate access by harvesting credentials from logs, gaining unauthorized administrative control.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and log monitoring, impact is limited to information disclosure without credential compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access to file system. Attackers must locate and access log files containing sensitive information.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Cisco advisory for fixed releases - multiple versions affected
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-nxos-infodis-TEcTYSFG
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Upgrade to fixed NX-OS release. 3. Verify logging no longer contains sensitive data. 4. Monitor for any post-upgrade issues.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Log File Access
allImplement strict file permissions on log directories to prevent unauthorized access
configure terminal
file privilege <directory> owner <owner> group <group> mode <permissions>
Disable Sensitive Logging
allConfigure logging to exclude sensitive information like credentials
configure terminal
no logging <sensitive-parameter>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can access device file systems
- Regularly audit and sanitize log files to remove any sensitive information
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NX-OS version with 'show version' and compare against Cisco advisory affected versionsCheck Version:
show version | include NXOSVerify Fix Applied:
After upgrade, verify version with 'show version' matches fixed release and check logs no longer contain sensitive data📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to log files
- Multiple failed attempts to access restricted directories
- Log entries containing credential information
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file transfer patterns from network devices
- Anomalous administrative access patterns
SIEM Query:
source="cisco_nxos" AND (event_type="file_access" AND file_path="*log*") AND user!="authorized_admin"