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Cisco IOS XR Vulnerability Allows Attackers to Execute Commands with Root Privileges

Cisco has recently identified a critical privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-20138) in its IOS XR software. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute commands with root privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 and impacts all versions of 64-bit IOS XR software.

The issue arises due to insufficient validation of user-supplied arguments in CLI (Command Line Interface) commands. An attacker with low-privileged account access can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious commands to escalate their privileges to root. This poses a significant security threat.

If exploited, an attacker could:

  • Execute arbitrary commands with root privileges
  • Modify or delete critical data
  • Destabilize or disrupt device functionality

Cisco has confirmed that there are no workarounds available to mitigate this vulnerability. The only solution is to apply the official security updates.

Affected Devices

✅ Vulnerable:

  • All versions of Cisco IOS XR 64-bit software

❌ Not Affected:

  • Cisco IOS, IOS XE, IOS XR 32-bit, and NX-OS

Cisco has released security patches for the following IOS XR versions:

  • 24.2.21 (updated release for the 24.2 branch)
  • Patched versions are also available for earlier releases (24.1, 24.3)

If customers do not have an active Cisco service contract, they can:

  1. Install updates through standard distribution channels
  2. Request security fixes from Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC)

This vulnerability poses a serious risk to network security by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation.

Although local access is required for exploitation, an attacker could:

🔴 Compromise user credentials
🔴 Leverage insider threats

Possible Consequences:

  • Network compromise → Attackers could steal sensitive data or disrupt operations.
  • Device corruption → Malicious code injection could render the system unusable, even after reboots.

At present, Cisco has not observed active exploitation of this vulnerability. However, delaying updates increases exposure to potential attacks.

Additional Security Recommendations

📌 Enforce strict user access controls → Follow the principle of least privilege.
📌 Enable CLI command monitoring → Use security tools to detect suspicious activities.
📌 Apply security patches immediately → Prioritize updates, especially on devices accessible to untrusted users.

The CVE-2025-20138 vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR is highly critical, as it allows attackers to gain root-level command execution. This could lead to network breaches, data theft, or complete system failure.

🚨 System administrators must apply security updates immediately to prevent potential attacks! 🚨