CVE-2025-20331
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in Cisco ISE and ISE-PIC web management interfaces allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in victims' browsers. Attackers need at least low-privileged accounts on affected devices. Users of these interfaces are at risk of session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
- Cisco ISE-PIC
⚠️ 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
Attacker gains administrative privileges, steals all credentials, deploys backdoors, or takes complete control of the ISE infrastructure
Likely Case
Attacker steals session cookies, elevates privileges, accesses sensitive configuration data, or performs unauthorized administrative actions
If Mitigated
Limited to low-privileged user compromise with minimal access to critical functions
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access and knowledge of specific vulnerable pages; stored XSS means payload persists
🛠️ 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-ise_xss_acc_cont-YsR4uT4U
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions 2. Download and apply appropriate patch 3. Verify patch installation 4. Test management interface functionality
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Enhancement
allImplement additional input validation on web interface fields
Configuration varies by deployment; consult Cisco documentation for custom validation rules
Access Restriction
allRestrict web management interface access to trusted IPs/networks only
Configure firewall/ACL rules to limit access to management interface from authorized sources only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers
- Enforce principle of least privilege for all user accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ISE version against affected versions in Cisco advisoryCheck Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds fixed version from advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual user activity patterns
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login
- Suspicious input patterns in web logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from ISE management interface
- Suspicious JavaScript payloads in HTTP traffic
SIEM Query:
source="ise_logs" AND (http_uri CONTAINS "script" OR http_body CONTAINS "javascript:")