CVE-2025-20347
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated low-privileged attackers to bypass authorization controls on REST API endpoints in Cisco Nexus Dashboard and NDFC. Attackers can view sensitive configuration data, upload files, and perform limited administrative functions. Organizations using affected Cisco network management products are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could modify critical system files, upload malicious images, access sensitive proxy and NTP configurations, and potentially disrupt network management operations.
Likely Case
Attackers would access sensitive configuration information and upload benign files to test system access, potentially leading to further reconnaissance or privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact would be limited to isolated management network segments with minimal operational disruption.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access and knowledge of specific REST API endpoints; attacker needs low-privileged credentials
🛠️ 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-nshs-urapi-gJuBVFpu
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Apply recommended software updates. 3. Verify patch installation. 4. Test functionality after patching.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to management interfaces to authorized IP addresses only
Configure ACLs to limit access to Nexus Dashboard/NDFC management interfaces
Access Control Hardening
allReview and restrict low-privileged user permissions
Audit user accounts and remove unnecessary low-privileged access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate management interfaces
- Enforce principle of least privilege for all user accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current software version against Cisco advisory; verify if REST API endpoints lack proper authorization controlsCheck Version:
show version (Cisco CLI command)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify software version is updated to patched version; test API endpoints for proper authorization enforcement📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual API access patterns from low-privileged accounts
- Unauthorized file upload attempts
- Access to sensitive configuration endpoints
Network Indicators:
- Unusual REST API traffic to management interfaces
- Multiple failed authorization attempts followed by successful sensitive data access
SIEM Query:
source="nexus-dashboard" AND (event_type="api_access" AND user_privilege="low" AND endpoint="sensitive_config")