Cisco has disclosed a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-20188) in its IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) that could allow unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files and execute commands with root privileges. The vulnerability, rated 10.0 on the CVSS scale, affects multiple Catalyst series controllers and requires immediate attention from network administrators.
Vulnerability Overview
The vulnerability exists in the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for WLCs. Attackers can exploit a hard-coded JSON Web Token (JWT) to send crafted HTTPS requests to the AP image download interface. Successful exploitation enables file uploads, path traversal, and command execution with the highest privileges. While the vulnerable feature is disabled by default, organizations that have enabled it are at significant risk.
Affected products include Catalyst 9800-CL/Series WLCs and embedded WLCs in Catalyst 9300, 9400, and 9500 series switches. Cisco has released patched versions to address this vulnerability and recommends immediate upgrades for all affected systems.
Technical Details and Impact
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication tokens in the AP image download functionality. The hard-coded JWT allows attackers to bypass authentication entirely when the feature is enabled. Once access is gained, attackers can:
- Upload malicious files to arbitrary locations on the system
- Perform path traversal attacks to access restricted directories
- Execute arbitrary commands with root privileges
This level of access could lead to complete system compromise, network infiltration, and potential lateral movement across connected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where wireless controllers often serve as critical network infrastructure.
Mitigation and Remediation
Cisco provides clear guidance for addressing this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to patched versions of the IOS XE software. For organizations that cannot immediately apply updates, disabling the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature provides effective mitigation.
Network administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures:
- Restrict access to WLC management interfaces using network segmentation
- Monitor for unusual file upload activity or unexpected system changes
- Review system logs for signs of exploitation attempts
Cisco’s Software Checker tool can help identify affected systems and appropriate updates. The company also recommends subscribing to security notifications to stay informed about emerging threats.
Additional Security Advisories
Alongside CVE-2025-20188, Cisco has released advisories for several other vulnerabilities in IOS XE software:
| CVE | CVSS | Description | Affected Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-20202 | 7.4 | CDP Denial of Service | WLCs with AP CDP enabled |
| CVE-2025-20186 | 8.8 | Web-Based Management Command Injection | Devices with HTTP server + lobby ambassador accounts |
| CVE-2024-20278 | 6.5 | NETCONF Privilege Escalation | Various IOS XE devices |
These vulnerabilities highlight the importance of comprehensive patch management and security monitoring for Cisco network infrastructure. Organizations should prioritize updates based on risk assessment and operational impact.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-20188 represents a serious threat to organizations using affected Cisco wireless controllers. The combination of unauthenticated access and root-level command execution makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Immediate action is required to either patch systems or disable the vulnerable feature.
Network administrators should review all Cisco security advisories regularly and establish processes for timely vulnerability remediation. The increasing complexity of network infrastructure demands proactive security measures to prevent exploitation of critical vulnerabilities like this one.
References
- “Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco IOS XE Software Wireless LAN Controllers Unauthenticated Remote File Upload and Command Execution Vulnerability,” Cisco Systems, May 7, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-wlc-file-uplpd-rHZG9UfC
- “NVD – CVE-2025-20188,” NIST, May 7, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-20188
- “Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points CDP Denial of Service Vulnerability,” Cisco Systems, May 7, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ewlc-cdp-dos-fpeks9K
- “Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco IOS XE Software Web-Based Management Interface Command Injection Vulnerability,” Cisco Systems, May 7, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-webui-cmdinj-gVn3OKNC
- “Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco IOS XE Software NETCONF Privilege Escalation Vulnerability,” Cisco Systems, Mar. 15, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-priv-esc-seAx6NLX
- “Cisco Software Checker,” Cisco Systems. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/softwarechecker.x
- “Cisco Security Notifications,” Cisco Systems. [Online]. Available: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/psirtSubscribe.x
- “SecAlerts CVE-2025-20188 Analysis,” SecAlerts, May 7, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://secalerts.co/vulnerability/CVE-2025-20188
