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A vulnerability in the web services of Cisco Secure Firewall Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software, Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) Software, Cisco IOS Software, Cisco IOS XE Software, and Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker (Cisco ASA and FTD Software) or authenticated, remote attacker (Cisco IOS, IOS XE, and IOS XR Software) with low user privileges to execute arbitrary code on an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input in HTTP requests. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to a targeted web service on an affected device after obtaining additional information about the system, overcoming exploit mitigations, or both. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code as root, which may lead to the complete compromise of the affected device.
For more information about this vulnerability, see the Details section of this advisory.
Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability and strongly recommends that customers upgrade to a fixed software release. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
This advisory is available at the following link:
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-http-code-exec-WmfP3h3O
For more information on the vulnerability that is described in this advisory, see Cisco Event Response: Continued Attacks Against Cisco Firewall Platforms.
This vulnerability affects the following Cisco products:
For information about which Cisco software releases are vulnerable, see the Fixed Software section of this advisory.
To determine whether a device has a vulnerable configuration, see the following software-specific sections.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software
In the following table, the left column lists Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software features that are potentially vulnerable. The right column indicates the basic configuration for the feature from the show running-config CLI command, if it can be determined. These features could cause the SSL listen sockets to be enabled.
| Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software Feature | Possible Vulnerable Configuration |
|---|---|
| Mobile User Security (MUS) |
webvpn |
| SSL VPN |
webvpn |
Cisco Secure Firewall FTD Software
In the following table, the left column lists Cisco Secure Firewall FTD Software features that are potentially vulnerable. The right column indicates the basic configuration for the feature from the show running-config CLI command, if it can be determined. These features could cause the SSL listen sockets to be enabled.
| Cisco Secure FTD Software Feature | Possible Vulnerable Configuration |
|---|---|
| AnyConnect SSL VPN |
webvpn |
Remote Access VPN features are enabled from Devices > VPN > Remote Access in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software or from Device > Remote Access VPN in Cisco Secure Firewall Device Manager (FDM).
Cisco IOS Software
To determine whether the Remote Access SSL VPN feature is enabled, use the show running-config | section webvpn CLI command. If the device returns output that includes the command inservice on a separate line, as shown in the following example, Remote Access SSL VPN is configured and the device is affected by this vulnerability:
Router# show running-config | section webvpn
webvpn gateway ssl-vpn
ip address 192.168.100.1 port 443
ssl trustpoint WebVPN-TP
inservice
!
Router#
Cisco IOS XE Software
To determine whether the Remote Access SSL VPN feature is enabled, use the show running-config | section crypto ssl policy CLI command. If the device returns any policy that does not contain the command shutdown on a separate line, as shown in the following example, Remote Access SSL VPN is configured and the device is affected by this vulnerability:
Router#show running-config | section crypto ssl policy
crypto ssl policy policy1
ssl proposal proposal1
pki trustpoint TP-self-signed-1057422294 sign
ip address local 10.0.0.1 port 443
Router#
Cisco IOS XR Software
To determine whether Cisco IOS XR Software is 32-bit, use the run uname -s CLI command. If the output of that command contains QNX, the device is 32-bit based. 64-bit based systems will contain Linux.
The following example shows the output of the run uname -s command on a 32-bit device:
RP/0/RSP0/CPU0:ASR-9001#run uname -s
Mon Sep 8 13:17:27.464 UTC
QNX
RP/0/RSP0/CPU0:ASR-9001#
If the run uname -s command returns the output Linux, the device is not affected by this vulnerability. However, if the command returns the output QNX, the device could be affected by this vulnerability if the HTTP server is enabled.
Note: For more information on 32-bit versus 64-bit Cisco IOS XR Software, see Difference Between Cisco IOS XR 32-bit and 64-bit OS
To determine whether the HTTP feature is enabled, use the show running-config | include http server CLI command. If that command returns output, the HTTP server is enabled and this device could be affected by this vulnerability, as shown in the following example:
RP/0/RSP0/CPU0:ASR-9001#show running-config | include http server
Mon Sep 8 11:57:45.667 UTC
Building configuration...
http server
RP/0/RSP0/CPU0:ASR-9001#
If the show running-config | include http server command returns empty output, the device is not affected by this vulnerability.
If the run uname -s command returns QNX and the show running-config | include http server command returns output, the device is affected by this vulnerability.
Only products listed in the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.
Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect Cisco NX-OS Software.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA and Secure Firewall FTD Software
A vulnerability in the web services of Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software, and Cisco Secure FTD Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device.
Security Impact Rating (SIR): Critical
CVSS Base Score: 9
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Cisco IOS, IOS XE, and IOS XR Software
A vulnerability in the web services of Cisco IOS Software, Cisco IOS XE Software, and Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with low user privileges to execute arbitrary code on an affected device.
Security Impact Rating (SIR): High
CVSS Base Score: 8.5
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
Cisco considers any workarounds and mitigations to be temporary solutions until an upgrade to a fixed software release is available. To fully remediate this vulnerability and avoid future exposure as described in this advisory, Cisco strongly recommends that customers upgrade to the fixed software indicated in this advisory.
For the following Cisco ASA 5500-X Series models that are running Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software Release 9.12 or 9.14, use the hidden Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software Release 9.12.4.72 or 9.14.4.28. For all other platforms, use the Cisco Software Checker to determine the first fixed release.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software Release 9.12.4.72 is available from the Cisco Software Download Center.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software Release 9.14.4.28 is available from the Cisco Software Download Center.
These are the final releases for Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software releases 9.12 and 9.14.
To help customers determine their exposure to vulnerabilities in Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, and Secure FTD Software, Cisco provides the Cisco Software Checker. This tool identifies any Cisco security advisories that impact a specific software release and the earliest release that fixes the vulnerabilities that are described in each advisory (“First Fixed”). If applicable, the tool also returns the earliest release that fixes all the vulnerabilities that are described in all the advisories that the Software Checker identifies (“Combined First Fixed”).
To use the tool, go to the Cisco Software Checker page and follow the instructions. Alternatively, use the following form to search for vulnerabilities that affect a specific software release. To use the form, follow these steps:
To help customers determine their exposure to vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software, Cisco provides the Cisco Software Checker. This tool identifies any Cisco security advisories that impact a specific software release and the earliest release that fixes the vulnerabilities that are described in each advisory (“First Fixed”). If applicable, the tool also returns the earliest release that fixes all the vulnerabilities that are described in all the advisories that the Software Checker identifies (“Combined First Fixed”).
To use the tool, go to the Cisco Software Checker page and follow the instructions. Alternatively, use the following form to determine whether a release is affected by any Cisco Security Advisory. To use the form, follow these steps:
In the following table, the first column lists Cisco software releases or trains. The second column indicates the affected platform. The third column indicates the affected architecture. The right column indicates how to request a fix for a release (train) affected by the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
| Cisco IOS XR Software Release | Platform | Architecture | SMU Name |
| 6.8 | ASR 9001 | 32-bit | Contact the proper support organization and request an SMU. |
| 6.9 | ASR 9001 | 32-bit | Contact the proper support organization and request an SMU. |
The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) validates only the affected and fixed release information that is documented in this advisory.
The Cisco PSIRT is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
This vulnerability was found by Keane O'Kelley of the Cisco Advanced Security Initiatives Group (ASIG) during the resolution of a Cisco TAC support case.
Cisco would like to thank the following organizations for supporting this investigation:
To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
| Version | Description | Section | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Added information on first fixed releases for Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software releases 9.12 and 9.14. | Fixed Software | Final | 2025-NOV-06 |
| 1.0 | Initial public release. | — | Final | 2025-SEP-25 |
The Cisco Support and Downloads page on Cisco.com provides information about licensing and downloads. This page can also display customer device support coverage for customers who use the My Devices tool. Please note that customers may download only software that was procured from Cisco directly or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner and for which the license is still valid.
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for the relevant Cisco products to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution. In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
CISCO DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, CISCO DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION. THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.
Copies or summaries of the information contained in this Security Advisory may lack important information or contain factual errors. Customers are advised to visit the Cisco Security Advisories page for the most recent version of this Security Advisory. The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) assesses only the affected and fixed release information that is documented in this advisory. See the Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy for more information.
To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.