CVE-2025-20294 is a security vulnerability identified in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) Manager Software, affecting multiple versions ranging from 3.2(1d) through 4.3(6b). The vulnerability is classified as an OS command injection flaw occurring in both the command-line interface (CLI) and the web-based management interface. It arises due to insufficient input validation of command arguments supplied by authenticated users with administrative privileges. Specifically, the software fails to properly neutralize special elements in user-supplied input, allowing crafted commands to be injected and executed on the underlying operating system. Exploitation requires the attacker to authenticate with administrative privileges, after which they can submit malicious input to affected commands. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary command execution with root-level privileges, effectively allowing privilege escalation and full control over the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Cisco UCS Manager versions, which are widely deployed in enterprise data centers for managing Cisco UCS servers and infrastructure. Given the critical role of UCS Manager in managing hardware resources, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Cisco UCS Manager is commonly used in data centers and enterprise environments to manage server infrastructure, making it a critical component in IT operations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized root-level access, enabling attackers to manipulate server configurations, disrupt operations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy further malware. This could compromise confidentiality and integrity of critical business data and systems. The elevated privileges gained could also allow attackers to pivot within the network, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. Given the reliance on Cisco UCS in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, government, and large enterprises across Europe, the vulnerability could disrupt essential services and cause significant operational and reputational damage. Although exploitation requires administrative credentials, insider threats or credential theft scenarios increase the risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Immediately identify and inventory all Cisco UCS Manager deployments and verify their software versions against the affected list. 2) Apply Cisco’s security patches or software updates as soon as they become available to remediate the vulnerability. If patches are not yet released, consider temporary mitigations such as restricting administrative access to UCS Manager interfaces via network segmentation, VPNs, or zero-trust access controls. 3) Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4) Monitor administrative access logs and command execution logs for unusual or unauthorized activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Limit the number of users with administrative privileges to the minimum necessary and regularly review access rights. 6) Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect anomalous command injection patterns or suspicious traffic to UCS Manager interfaces. 7) Conduct regular security awareness training for administrators to recognize phishing or social engineering attempts that could lead to credential theft. 8) Develop and test incident response plans specific to potential UCS Manager compromise scenarios to ensure rapid containment and recovery.