CVE-2025-20292 is a security vulnerability identified in the command-line interface (CLI) of Cisco NX-OS Software, which is widely used in Cisco's network devices such as switches and data center infrastructure. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in user-supplied input, leading to an OS command injection flaw. Specifically, the CLI does not sufficiently validate or sanitize input arguments provided by an authenticated local user. An attacker with valid credentials on the affected device can craft malicious input to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. While the attacker’s privileges are limited to those of the non-root user account under which the CLI operates, successful exploitation allows reading and writing files within those permission boundaries. This could lead to unauthorized data access or modification and potentially facilitate further attacks or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Cisco NX-OS versions, spanning multiple major releases, indicating a long-standing issue across many deployments. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.4 (medium severity), reflecting the requirement for local authentication and limited privileges, but the risk remains significant given the critical role of NX-OS devices in network infrastructure. No known public exploits or patches are currently reported, but the extensive list of affected versions necessitates proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to network infrastructure security and operational integrity. Cisco NX-OS devices are commonly deployed in enterprise data centers, service provider networks, and critical infrastructure environments across Europe. Exploitation could allow an insider threat or compromised user account to manipulate device configurations or access sensitive files, potentially disrupting network operations or exposing confidential information. Although the attacker’s privileges are limited, the ability to execute arbitrary OS commands could be leveraged to escalate privileges or pivot to other systems. This risk is particularly acute for sectors with stringent regulatory requirements such as finance, telecommunications, energy, and government, where network device compromise could have cascading effects on service availability and data protection compliance. The medium CVSS score suggests that while remote exploitation is not feasible and user interaction is not required, the necessity for valid credentials limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already breached initial defenses. Nonetheless, the widespread use of affected NX-OS versions in Europe means many organizations could be vulnerable if they have not applied mitigations or upgrades.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach beyond generic advice: 1) Immediately audit and restrict CLI access to Cisco NX-OS devices, enforcing the principle of least privilege and using strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts. 2) Monitor and log all CLI activities to detect anomalous commands or input patterns indicative of injection attempts. 3) Apply Cisco’s security advisories and patches as soon as they become available; in the interim, consider upgrading to unaffected NX-OS versions or applying configuration workarounds recommended by Cisco. 4) Conduct regular credential reviews and rotate passwords to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 5) Segment network management interfaces to isolate NX-OS devices from general user networks, limiting local access to trusted administrators only. 6) Employ host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) on network devices where feasible to detect unauthorized file access or command execution. 7) Train network administrators on secure CLI usage and awareness of injection risks. These targeted measures will reduce the likelihood of exploitation and limit potential damage if an attacker gains authenticated access.