CVE-2025-20356 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the web-based management interface of Cisco Cyber Vision Center. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, allowing an authenticated remote attacker to inject malicious scripts into specific pages of the interface. The vulnerability specifically affects numerous versions of Cisco Cyber Vision ranging from 3.0.0 through 5.2.1. Exploitation requires the attacker to have valid administrative credentials with access to the Sensor Explorer page, which by default includes Admin and Product user roles, as well as any custom users granted access to the Sensors page. Successful exploitation could enable the attacker to execute arbitrary script code within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to theft of sensitive browser-based information or session hijacking. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting its network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and requirement for user interaction. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigations are explicitly linked in the provided data. The vulnerability highlights the risk posed by insufficient input validation in web management interfaces, especially in industrial cybersecurity products like Cisco Cyber Vision, which monitor and protect critical operational technology (OT) environments.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, particularly for those operating critical infrastructure or industrial environments that rely on Cisco Cyber Vision for OT network visibility and security. Exploitation could allow attackers with legitimate credentials to perform XSS attacks, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the management interface. This could undermine the integrity and confidentiality of the OT monitoring environment, possibly leading to disruption of industrial processes or exposure of sensitive operational data. Given the interconnected nature of IT and OT in many European industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation, a successful attack could cascade into broader operational disruptions. Additionally, compliance with European data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) could be jeopardized if sensitive information is exposed. Although exploitation requires authenticated access, insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate attacks. The medium severity rating indicates moderate risk, but the criticality of affected environments elevates the potential consequences for European organizations.

1. Immediate review and restriction of administrative access to the Cisco Cyber Vision management interface, ensuring only trusted personnel have Sensor Explorer page privileges. 2. Implement strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor and audit user activity within the Cyber Vision interface to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Apply input validation and sanitization controls at the application level if possible, or deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the management interface. 5. Coordinate with Cisco for official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and plan timely deployment once available. 6. Conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize phishing or social engineering attempts that could lead to credential theft. 7. Segment the management interface network access to limit exposure and reduce the attack surface. 8. Regularly review and update user roles and permissions to enforce the principle of least privilege.