Insecure Deserialization Vulnerability in Cisco ISE API

CVE-2025-20124

What is CVE-2025-20124?

CVE-2025-20124 is a vulnerability found in the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) API, which is designed to provide secure network access control and identity management for organizations. This particular vulnerability arises from the insecure deserialization of user-supplied Java byte streams, allowing an authenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device with root privileges. The potential negative impact on organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability to manipulate network configurations, which could destabilize critical operating environments.

Technical Details

The vulnerability is specifically tied to how Cisco ISE handles the deserialization of Java objects provided by users. An attacker who possesses valid read-only administrative credentials can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted serialized Java object to the affected API endpoint. If the malformed object is processed, it could lead to the execution of arbitrary commands, ultimately allowing the attacker to escalate privileges and gain full control over the device.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-20124

1. Unauthorized Command Execution: The vulnerability permits attackers to execute commands with root-level access, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the affected systems.

2. Data Breaches: By gaining elevated privileges, an attacker could access, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive information, leading to significant data breaches and regulatory implications.

3. Disruption of Network Services: The ability to manipulate configurations on the Cisco ISE could lead to service outages or misconfigurations, disrupting network operations and impacting business continuity.

News Articles

🔗Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

CVE-2025-20124CVE-2025-20125

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Cisco has released security updates to address critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-20124 and CVE-2025-20125) affecting their Identity Services Engine (ISE) and ISE Passive Identity Connector (ISE-PIC), regardless of device configuration.

2 days ago

🔗CSO Online

CVE-2025-20124

Cisco’s ISE bugs could allow root-level command execution

The insecure deserialization and authorization bypass flaws could enable attackers to escalate privileges and run arbitrary commands.

5 days ago

🔗CybersecurityNews

CVE-2025-20124CVE-2025-20125

Critical Cisco ISE Vulnerabilities Allow Arbitrary Command Execution Remotely

Cisco has disclosed two critical vulnerabilities in its Identity Services Engine (ISE) software that could allow authenticated, remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands, elevate privileges, and manipulate system configurations on affected devices. These vulnerabilities tracked as CVE-2025-2012...

6 days ago

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