Overview
CVE-2025-20124 discloses a critical vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), affecting multiple versions including 2.7.0 patch 8 through 3.3 patch 3. This flaw stems from insecure deserialization of Java objects in an exposed API, allowing authenticated remote attackers to execute commands with root privileges.
Technical Details
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data. Cisco ISE fails to safely deserialize user-supplied Java byte streams received through a specific API endpoint. By submitting a crafted serialized Java object, an attacker with valid read-only administrative credentials can trigger arbitrary command execution and escalate privileges to root on the affected device.
Though authentication is required, the low privileges needed and remote accessibility make this flaw particularly dangerous in multi-node or enterprise deployments.
CVSS Score and Severity
The vulnerability is rated as CRITICAL with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9. Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H. Breakdown:
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Changed
- Impact: High integrity and availability, low confidentiality
Impact
Successful exploitation can allow attackers to:
- Execute arbitrary system commands as root
- Gain full control of the affected device
- Disrupt authentication services in single-node deployments
No public exploitation has been reported at this time, but the severity and nature of the vulnerability call for immediate attention.
Mitigation
- Apply security updates provided by Cisco as outlined in their advisory.
- Restrict access to Cisco ISE management APIs using firewall rules and access control.
- Monitor system logs for anomalous API requests or process behavior.
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