CVE-2025-20248 MEDIUM

CVE-2025-20248: Cisco IOS XR Software Image Verification Bypass Vulnerability

Vendor Cisco
Product Cisco IOS XR Software
Weakness CWE-347
Published September 10, 2025
Last update February 26, 2026

CVSS base score

6.0/10
Attack vector Local
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required High
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

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

What the vulnerability does

01Description

A vulnerability in the installation process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to bypass Cisco IOS XR Software image signature verification and load unsigned software on an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have root-system privileges on the affected device. This vulnerability is due to incomplete validation of files during the installation of an .iso file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying contents of the .iso image and then installing and activating it on the device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to load an unsigned file as part of the image activation process.

Key dates

02Disclosure timeline

September 10, 2025 CVE published
February 26, 2026 Record updated