Listen to this Post
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-20188) with a CVSS score of 10.0 has been discovered in Cisco IOS XE Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs). The flaw resides in the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download feature, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files and gain full control of affected devices.
Affected Devices:
- Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series WLCs
- Embedded wireless controller variants running vulnerable IOS XE software
Mitigation Steps:
- Immediately disable the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature if not required.
- Apply the latest security patches from Cisco’s advisory.
- Monitor network traffic for suspicious file upload attempts.
🔗 Source: Cisco Security Advisory
You Should Know:
Detection & Verification Steps
Check if your device is vulnerable:
show version | include IOS-XE|Catalyst
If the output includes Catalyst 9800 and a vulnerable IOS XE version, apply patches immediately.
Temporary Workaround (if patching is delayed)
Disable the vulnerable feature via CLI:
configure terminal no wireless out-of-band ap image download enable end
Log Monitoring for Exploitation Attempts
Check logs for unauthorized file uploads:
show logging | include "file upload"|"OOB-AP"
Network Traffic Analysis
Use Wireshark to detect malicious traffic:
tshark -i eth0 -Y "http.request.method == PUT && http.host contains cisco"
Automated Patch Deployment (Ansible Example)
- name: Patch Cisco IOS XE Devices hosts: cisco_wlc tasks: - name: Download latest firmware ansible.netcommon.cli_command: command: "copy scp://admin@patch-server/latest-iosxe.bin flash:" - name: Install update ansible.netcommon.cli_command: command: "boot system flash:latest-iosxe.bin" - name: Reload device ansible.netcommon.cli_command: command: "reload"
What Undercode Say
This vulnerability is highly exploitable due to the hardcoded JWT token, making it a prime target for ransomware and APT groups. Organizations must:
– Prioritize patching over temporary fixes.
– Segment wireless controllers from critical networks.
– Enable strict file integrity monitoring (FIM) using tools like Tripwire or AIDE:
aide --check
– Block unauthorized SCP/SFTP transfers at the firewall level:
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j DROP
Expected Output:
- A secure, patched Cisco WLC with disabled OOB AP Image Download.
- Continuous monitoring for anomalous file uploads.
- Reduced attack surface via network segmentation.
Prediction
Given Cisco’s widespread enterprise use, mass exploitation attempts are expected within 30 days. Threat actors will likely target unpatched devices for botnet recruitment or data exfiltration. Organizations delaying patches risk full network compromise.
References:
Reported By: Cherif Diallo – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
