CVE-2025-20138

Name: CVE-2025-20138
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2025-03-12T16:15:21.26+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 0.21%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2025-20138 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user arguments that are passed to specific CLI commands. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using crafted commands at the prompt. EPSS estimates a 0.21% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute arbitrary commands as root on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user arguments that are passed to specific CLI commands. An attacker with a low-privileged account could exploit this vulnerability by using crafted commands at the prompt. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root and execute arbitrary commands.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.21%

11.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ios Xr	< 24.2.21
Cisco	Ios Xr	>= 24.3, < 24.4

References

https://blog.apnic.net/2024/09/02/crafting-endless-as-paths-in-bgp/Technical Description
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxr-priv-esc-GFQjxvOFVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 12, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-20138?

How severe is CVE-2025-20138?

CVE-2025-20138 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-20138?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2025-20138?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST