CASCACascade Atlas

Evidence dossier

CVE-2025-20281

Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV since Jul 28, 2025). cisco reports CVSS 3.1 10.0. EPSS estimates 97.1% exploit likelihood as of Aug 26, 2026.

88.2–89.5Priority evidence range
Evidence current through Aug 27, 2026, 6:09 PM UTC

As of Aug 27, 2026

Normalized restatement

A vulnerability in a specific API of Cisco ISE and Cisco ISE-PIC could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as root. The attacker does not require any valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted API request. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain root privileges on an affected device.

State
PUBLISHED
Published
Jun 25, 2025
Updated
Feb 26, 2026
Evidence coverage
99%

Evidence chronology

What was known when

Download this view's receipt →
  1. Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCA
    CISA-ADP

    Record text: CISA ADP Vulnrichment

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    container
    Value
    CISA ADP Vulnrichment
    Original evidence ↗
  2. Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCA
    cisco

    Record text: Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    container
    Value
    Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
    Original evidence ↗
  3. Source dateFirst observed by CASCA
    CISA KEV

    Exploitation cataloged: Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    observed_exploitation
    Value
    Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability
    Original evidence ↗
  4. Source dateFirst observed by CASCA
    FIRST EPSS

    EPSS score: 97.09% probability · 99.89th percentile

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    model_probability
    Value
    Probability 0.970930000000; percentile 0.998860000000
    Original evidence ↗
ExploitationCatalog member

CISA KEV · catalog date Jul 28, 2025 · first observed Jul 19, 2026

Exploit likelihood97.09%

FIRST EPSS · score date Aug 26, 2026 · 99.9th percentile · first observed Aug 26, 2026

SeverityCVSS 10.0

cisco · CVSS 3.1 · first observed Jul 19, 2026 · same-version scores align in this snapshot

Evidence detail

Source limits and decisions

Why each evidence state has this value

casca-unknown-reasons-v1
Exploitation statusEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
evidence-policy-v1.1.0
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Exploit likelihoodEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
evidence-policy-v1.1.0
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Severity assessmentEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
casca-direct-cvss-eligibility-v1
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Affected productsSource-reported scope

The cited source assertion is retained while canonical product linkage remains open.

Revision
casca-factor-d-obligations-v1
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
Resolve identity

Source comparison

Who said what

CISA-ADPIndependent enrichment
Record text

CISA ADP Vulnrichment

Inspect raw assertion
Field
container
Value
CISA ADP Vulnrichment
Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
ciscoOriginal assertion
Record text

Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Inspect raw assertion
Field
container
Value
Cisco ISE API Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
CISA KEVOriginal assertion
Exploitation cataloged

Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability

Inspect raw assertion
Field
observed_exploitation
Value
Cisco Identity Services Engine Injection Vulnerability
Source dateFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
FIRST EPSSOriginal assertion
EPSS score

97.09% probability · 99.89th percentile

Inspect raw assertion
Field
model_probability
Value
Probability 0.970930000000; percentile 0.998860000000
Source dateFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗

Applicability

Cited product scope

Trace impact →
18Underlying assertions
2Canonical products
18Target assertions
0Constraint assertions

Grouped from 1 configuration nodes in this exact snapshot. Visual grouping is navigational; asset exposure and root cause require cited evidence.

Identity source boundaries
  • Cpe dictionary1,775,266 records · observed through 2026-07-21T06:45:29.809Z27d65b0f-b718-4b4f-bb79-c47c68d09dfa
  • Cpe match643,502 records · observed through 2026-07-21T08:13:17.697Z955dae73-7302-438b-aee1-058d7cc5d48e

3 scope groups

cisco · source assertedCiscoCisco Identity Services Engine SoftwareDirect source scope
Affected: 3.3.0Affected: 3.3 Patch 2Affected: 3.3 Patch 1Affected: 3.3 Patch 3Affected: 3.4.0Affected: 3.3 Patch 4Affected: 3.4 Patch 1Affected: 3.3 Patch 5Affected: 3.3 Patch 6
Source-reported scope

Canonical linkage remains open; the cited source assertion is retained below.

Inspect raw assertion[{"status": "affected", "version": "3.3.0"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 2"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 1"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 3"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.4.0"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 4"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.4 Patch 1"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 5"}, {"status": "affected", "version": "3.3 Patch 6"}]
NVD CPE · APPLICATIONciscoidentity_services_engineVulnerable target · 9 assertions
Version 3.3.0; Version 3.4.0Canonical identity product-3f76b047365db0d1003c2cbe6ae6ffc0ad5e94d6232a58a11419cd61a8427145Linked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    f1b9c2c1-59a4-49a0-9b74-83ccb063e55d
  2. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch5:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 5
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    56e0f0ec-3e66-4866-89f5-89b331f3f517
  3. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.4.0:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 8
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    74509498-38ef-4345-9583-cef5c26ca1d8
  4. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch4:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 4
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    ff8b81a6-bf44-4e5f-b167-39f61ddca026
  5. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 2
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    e6c94cc4-cc08-4daf-a606-fdafc92720a9
  6. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 1
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    dfd29a0b-0d75-4eab-bce0-79450ec75dd0
  7. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.4.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 7
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    d23905e0-e525-49b1-8e5f-4eb42d186768
  8. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch6:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 6
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    2e3e8937-2859-4a2a-91c0-05f674ef0466
  9. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine:3.3.0:patch3:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 3
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    bb069ea3-7b8c-42b5-8035-2ee5ed3f56e4
NVD CPE · APPLICATIONciscoidentity_services_engine_passive_identity_connectorVulnerable target · 9 assertions
Version 3.3.0; Version 3.4.0Canonical identity product-e75e664b51cfa9f5b693dd3dc2c6620e3a9cb3375348641eb0f25024c237594aLinked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.4.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 16
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    cc0525fd-c4d7-4b48-bf35-1791391ab148
  2. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch5:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 14
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    6c30fa1d-91e2-48c5-b181-a88fdf668278
  3. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 11
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    654ed77e-22d3-4e76-9e6d-b1581f5982f0
  4. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch4:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 13
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    83f3ba58-4f38-41c8-956f-38a2f44eece4
  5. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch3:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 12
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    a0648ee9-f042-479f-9aab-c6b5dbc46511
  6. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 10
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    b3736136-9fd8-4b12-b119-ea15201224d9
  7. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.4.0:patch1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 17
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    68c96f6b-51ee-4d03-9598-cbfd16da22ef
  8. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 9
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    3ca3315d-8a45-43f4-a0f0-094d325f285b
  9. cpe:2.3:a:cisco:identity_services_engine_passive_identity_connector:3.3.0:patch6:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 15
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    768215b1-80b7-40ff-8772-ba4c0b3913f5

Affected-product evidence

Accepted scope and product mapping

2 canonical links · 1 source-reported links

Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-0774b265c0e837e737aaf99ed0f2450c048e61f34267ca59d8623878b839334e · product-3f76b047365db0d1003c2cbe6ae6ffc0ad5e94d6232a58a11419cd61a8427145

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
9
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
2a1e58b8-2973-4615-adf8-01b8a7c08859384de6d3-9fbf-4ed3-abde-aeee414917a242d89d6e-a9b7-4fd5-9650-483207a5f0136689d25b-ba26-4282-bc0e-11ee43a58e0678cd00f9-1ea9-486a-879f-c1328d8745677e493d39-413a-4fd0-ac2b-5d85c85257d8d0e36f2d-3308-4838-a28e-c40607487a7fd9ae31fc-fcee-42fa-af53-85ff6f915fedf1f1caf8-7b19-4685-8a8c-b9c7439b32de
Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-0774b265c0e837e737aaf99ed0f2450c048e61f34267ca59d8623878b839334e · product-e75e664b51cfa9f5b693dd3dc2c6620e3a9cb3375348641eb0f25024c237594a

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
9
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
0995e64b-add6-428c-8ce6-d0165e67078d2da66bb8-57d8-4d1a-acc3-0cac020a77bc36014488-35f2-4b29-b76d-81dcfabc604b7c55378e-c6b4-4b98-86f2-b25810691ea195d57475-48b3-4fc0-9084-8cde433fa736a6660452-3a7a-45a1-80f6-1ad858a51ee5c051b69f-2013-4d57-9d45-4b6cb8c519e1c8e6b216-40c2-4071-bc2f-bd0f89779de5e54e164c-c925-4f6e-bac8-9e6bdf9e1e5f
Source-reported scopeSource-reported scope

Canonical linkage remains open; the cited source assertion is retained below.

Vendor specified only by source · Product specified only by source

Source class
Direct cve affected
Assertions
1
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
27608728-1d44-4878-b2e3-8ef7f91ce831

Assessments

CVSS by origin

10.0
psirt@cisco.comCVSS 3.1 · role Secondary · priority eligiblevalid_matchCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
10.0
ciscoCVSS 3.1 · role unknown · display onlyDirect record assessment retained outside normalized eligibilityCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Direct CVE/CNA normalized decisions

10.0Priority eligible

cisco

CVSS 3.1 · Primary · Original assertion · rank 1

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Validation
Valid match
Recomputed
10.0
Decision reason
Evidence supported
Policy
casca-direct-cvss-eligibility-v1

Assessments are retained side by side under closed precedence. Cascade never averages CVSS.

Evidence boundaries

  • KEV membership is authoritative for the catalog, not proof of exposure in any environment.
  • EPSS is a dated model probability and not an individual-environment prediction.
  • Affected or fixed status applies only to the exact cited product and version scope; remaining scope stays source-scoped.
  • NVD-carried upstream facts remain derivative; independent corroboration requires a separately authored source.
  • Only NVD metrics validated under the generation-bound calculator are Public Priority eligible; direct CVE record metrics remain display-only.
  • NVD CVSS source eligibility is closed: NVD-authored, exact record-source, or registered same-CVE container origin; unmapped sources remain display-only.
  • Core replay supports the active and immediately prior generation; retrospective valid-at replay is deferred.
  • OSV aggregation and OSV-converted NVD material are not independent corroboration.
  • Red Hat facts are vendor assertions for the exact supplied products.
  • Nonmembership and not-yet-observed states are not proof of safety.