CVE-2025-20161

low-risk
Published 2025-02-26

A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges.  Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.

Do I need to act?

-
0.03% chance of exploitation
EPSS score — low exploit probability
-
Not on CISA KEV list
No confirmed active exploitation reported to CISA
?
Patch status unknown
Check vendor advisories for fix availability and mitigation guidance
5
CVSS 5.1/10 Medium
LOCAL / LOW complexity
22
/ 100
low-risk
Severity 17/34 · Moderate
Exploitability 0/34 · Minimal
Exposure 5/34 · Minimal