Critical Cisco ISE Authentication Bypass Vulnerability Threatens Cloud Environments on AWS, Azure, and OCI

June 5, 2025
Network Security / Vulnerability

Cisco has issued security patches for a severe vulnerability affecting its Identity Services Engine (ISE). This flaw, identified as CVE-2025-20286 and rated 9.9 out of 10 on the CVSS scale, could be exploited by unauthenticated attackers to perform harmful actions on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability, categorized as a static credential issue, affects cloud deployments on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Cisco warned that attackers could potentially access sensitive data, perform limited administrative tasks, alter system configurations, or disrupt services in the affected environments. The networking company credited Kentaro Kawane from GMO Cybersecurity for reporting the flaw and acknowledged the presence of a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit, although no active exploitation has been confirmed.

Critical Cisco ISE Authentication Bypass Vulnerability Threatens Cloud Environments on AWS, Azure, and OCI

On June 5, 2025, Cisco announced the release of security patches addressing a high-severity vulnerability within its Identity Services Engine (ISE). This flaw, designated as CVE-2025-20286, has received a CVSS score of 9.9 out of 10, indicating its critical nature and the potential impact of successful exploitation. If taken advantage of, this vulnerability could grant unauthenticated actors the ability to execute malicious operations on affected systems.

The vulnerability specifically targets cloud deployments of Cisco ISE on major platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Cisco detailed that the flaw could enable remote attackers to access sensitive data, perform limited administrative actions, alter system configurations, and potentially disrupt services across compromised systems. This breadth of potential impact underscores the gravity of the threat.

The company acknowledged cybersecurity researcher Kentaro Kawane of GMO Cybersecurity for identifying and reporting this vulnerability. Cisco has confirmed that it is aware of a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit that demonstrates the risk, raising significant alarm about the vulnerability’s implications for organizations relying on Cisco’s ISE in their cloud strategies.

Organizations using Cisco ISE should take immediate action to implement the released security patches to mitigate the threat. The vulnerability presents a critical risk profile not only due to its technical nature but also because of the potential for exploit by malicious actors seeking access to sensitive resources.

As businesses navigate the complexities of cloud environments, the exploitation of this vulnerability emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Tactics commonly associated with this type of vulnerability may include initial access, which involves unauthorized entry into affected systems, and privilege escalation, where attackers gain higher permissions to manipulate system configurations.

Additionally, the exploitation could relate to persistence techniques that enable attackers to maintain access even after the initial point of entry has been detected and secured. The potential for service disruption further highlights how adversaries might exploit such vulnerabilities for broader operational impacts.

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, the implications of this particular flaw serve as a poignant reminder of the persistent threats facing cloud infrastructures. Business owners must remain vigilant and proactive, continuously assessing and refining their security postures in response to vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-20286. The situation remains fluid, necessitating constant awareness and adaptation in the ongoing effort to safeguard sensitive information against unauthorized access and malicious activity.

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