Cisco IOS XE Software - Hardcoded Credentials (CVE-2025-20188)
194Exploiting IPs reported
A vulnerability in the Out-of-Band Access Point (AP) Image Download feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to upload arbitrary files to an affected system. This vulnerability is due to the presence of a hard-coded JSON Web Token (JWT) on an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTPS requests to the AP image download interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to upload files, perform path traversal, and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. Note: For exploitation to be successful, the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature must be enabled on the device. It is not enabled by default.
CrowdSec analysis
CVE-2025-20188 is a critical vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers, impacting the Out-of-Band AP Image Download feature. It enables unauthenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files due to the use of a hard-coded token, potentially leading to command execution with root privileges if the vulnerable feature is enabled.
CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 6th of June 2025.
CrowdSec network observations suggest that most exploitation of CVE-2025-20188 involves focused reconnaissance to identify viable targets. Attackers typically tailor their campaigns based on system exposure and configuration. It is unlikely that a given attack is accidental. CrowdSec network telemetry also shows that exploitation of CVE-2025-20188 has significantly declined over the past week. Attack volumes are well below the long-term average, suggesting attackers are rapidly losing interest. The vulnerability appears to be falling out of active use across most threat landscapes.
Observed exploitation attempts target URLs containing the path /ap_spec_rec/upload/, and often involve attempts to upload malicious files to compromised devices.
Exploitation
Get real-time information about exploitation attempts and actors involved.
Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)
Protection
Find out relevant information to protect your stack against this CVE.
Blocklist
With our advanced worldwide network detection, CrowdSec can provide a list of IPs known for exploiting the vulnerability.
To increase your protection against this CVE, block exploitation attempts with this list of identified actors.