CVE-2025-20161

5.1 MEDIUM 0.5% exploit odds No fix listed Injection Network gear

What it is

A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, local attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute a command injection attack on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of specific elements within a software image. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted image. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges.  Note: Administrators should validate the hash of any software image before installation.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data tampering.
Exploit odds: 0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.