CVE-2025-20344
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated administrators to exploit path traversal via crafted backup files in Cisco Nexus Dashboard, potentially gaining root shell access. It affects Cisco Nexus Dashboard deployments with vulnerable versions. Attackers need valid admin credentials to exploit this.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with root privileges, allowing complete control over the affected Cisco Nexus Dashboard device and potential lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from administrator to root, enabling unauthorized system modifications, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to credential controls and network segmentation, with attackers unable to reach vulnerable systems or lacking admin credentials.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated admin access and ability to upload/restore backup files.
🛠️ 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-nd-ptrs-XU2Fm2Wb
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Download and apply the appropriate patch from Cisco. 3. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Backup File Sources
allOnly allow backup restoration from trusted, verified sources and implement strict validation of backup files before restoration.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who has administrator credentials and can perform backup/restore operations.
- Monitor and audit all backup restoration activities for suspicious patterns or unexpected file paths.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Cisco Nexus Dashboard version against the advisory's affected versions list.Check Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version matches or exceeds the fixed version specified in the Cisco advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual backup restoration activities, especially with non-standard file paths or from untrusted sources.
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected file transfers to backup restoration endpoints.
SIEM Query:
Search for backup restore events with suspicious file paths or from unauthorized users.