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.
Insights from the CrowdSec network reveal that the attackers trying to exploit CVE-2025-20188 are composed of a fairly even mix of opportunistic and targeted actors. Some attackers employ preliminary reconnaissance, while others use indiscriminate scanning. Data from the CrowdSec community also indicates a gradual decrease in attacks targeting CVE-2025-20188. While still present in the wild, exploitation levels have dropped noticeably week-over-week. This may signal that the vulnerability is becoming less relevant or that defenses are improving fast enough for attackers to lose interest.
Observed exploitation attempts target URLs containing the path /ap_spec_rec/upload/, and often involve attempts to upload malicious files to compromised devices.
Exploitation
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Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)
Protection
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Blocklist
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