CVE-2025-20310 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the web user interface of Cisco Enterprise Chat and Email (ECE). This vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, allowing malicious script code to be injected and stored within the application. An unauthenticated remote attacker cannot directly exploit this vulnerability; however, exploitation requires valid agent credentials, meaning the attacker must have access to an authorized user account within the ECE system. Once exploited, the attacker can craft a malicious link that, when clicked by a legitimate user of the interface, executes arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim’s browser session. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive browser-based information, session hijacking, or manipulation of the interface. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Cisco ECE versions from 11.5(1) through various 12.x releases, indicating a broad exposure across many deployments. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), with attack vector being network-based, low attack complexity, no privileges required to initiate the attack, but user interaction is necessary, and the scope is changed, impacting confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches are explicitly linked in the provided data, suggesting organizations should monitor Cisco advisories closely for updates. The vulnerability’s impact is primarily on confidentiality and integrity due to the potential for script execution and data exposure within the web UI environment.

For European organizations using Cisco Enterprise Chat and Email, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to internal communications security. Since ECE is often used for enterprise messaging and email, exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive corporate information, including internal communications, credentials, or other confidential data accessible via the web interface. The requirement for valid agent credentials limits the attack surface to insiders or compromised accounts, but the risk remains high in environments where credential theft or phishing is prevalent. The stored XSS can facilitate session hijacking, enabling attackers to impersonate legitimate users and potentially escalate privileges or access further resources. This could undermine trust in enterprise communication platforms and lead to data breaches or compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. Additionally, the broad range of affected versions indicates many organizations may be vulnerable if they have not updated or patched their systems. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the need for credentials and the potential impact of exploitation. However, the changed scope and ability to affect confidentiality and integrity make this a noteworthy threat for enterprises relying on Cisco ECE for secure communications.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the Cisco ECE web interface to trusted networks and users, employing network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure. 2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all agent accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor user activity logs for suspicious behavior indicative of credential misuse or attempted exploitation. 4. Educate users, especially agents, about phishing and social engineering risks that could lead to credential theft. 5. Apply input validation and output encoding best practices within the application if custom integrations or configurations are used. 6. Stay updated with Cisco’s official security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the ECE interface. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on the ECE environment to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on credential protection, network-level controls, and proactive monitoring tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.