Introduction

A severe vulnerability in Cisco’s IOS XE for Wireless LAN Controllers, tracked as CVE-2025-20188, has been disclosed, raising concerns over device security. This flaw permits remote attackers to upload files and potentially take over affected devices.

Key Details

• Who: Cisco Systems
• What: A critical arbitrary file upload vulnerability in IOS XE Software.
• When: Disclosed on May 7, 2025.
• Where: Affects several models of Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers, specifically when the "Out-of-Band AP Image Download" feature is enabled.
• Why: The flaw arises from a hard-coded JSON Web Token (JWT) fallback that allows unauthorized file uploads and command execution.
• How: Attackers can exploit this weakness using inadequate path validation combined with a vulnerable backend script setup, enabling them to generate valid JWTs without needing the secret.

Affected models include:

• Catalyst 9800-CL
• Catalyst 9800 Embedded Wireless Controllers
• Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers
• Embedded Wireless Controllers on Catalyst APs

Why It Matters

This vulnerability poses a significant risk for:

• Enterprise Security: The potential for unauthorized access could lead to significant data breaches.
• Compliance Risks: Organizations may face compliance challenges due to unpatched security flaws.
• Network Reliability: Exploits could disrupt services, affecting overall performance and reliability.

Takeaway for IT Teams

IT professionals should prioritize upgrading to patched versions (17.12.04 or newer) and consider disabling the vulnerable "Out-of-Band AP Image Download" feature as an immediate workaround. Stay alert for further developments regarding this vulnerability, and evaluate network defenses to mitigate potential risks.

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