Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA…: Improper Access Control
CVE-2025-20341 is a high-severity improper access control vulnerability in Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) versions: 2.3.7.5-VA; 2.3.7.6-VA; 2.3.7.7-VA, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.51% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) | 2.3.7.5-VA; 2.3.7.6-VA; 2.3.7.7-VA; 2.3.7.9-VA; 2.3.7.9.75403.10-VA | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (cisco.com).
Official description
A vulnerability in Cisco Catalyst Center Virtual Appliance could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges to Administrator on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting a crafted HTTP request to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform unauthorized modifications to the system, including creating new user accounts or elevating their own privileges on an affected system. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid credentials for a user account with at least the role of Observer.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Access Control
The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center)
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Access Control vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Gladinet Triofox Improper Access Control Exploited
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