PatchTheCVECVE-2025-20160: A vulnerability in the implementation of the TACACS+ protocol in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software
CVE-2025-20160 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting ios, ios xe. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A vulnerability in the implementation of the TACACS+ protocol in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive data or bypass authentication. This vulnerability exists because the system does not properly check whether the required TACACS+ shared secret is configured. A machine-in-the-middle attacker could exploit this vulnerability by intercepting and reading unencrypted TACACS
Why this priority
- High severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.1 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.4% (top 62%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-287 |
| Published | 2025-09-24 |
| Last modified | 2026-09-26 |
Last updated 2026-09-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2025-20160?
ios: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; ios xe: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2025-20160 being exploited?
CVE-2025-20160 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2025-20160 affect?
CVE-2025-20160 affects ios, ios xe. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). A vulnerability in the implementation of the TACACS+ protocol in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive data or bypass authentication. This vulnerability exists bec
How urgent is CVE-2025-20160?
Priority 43/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
iOS vulnerabilities · Cisco IOS XE vulnerabilities · Cisco vulnerabilities
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