Detect CVE-2025-20393 — Cisco Multiple Products Improper Input Validation (KEV) in IBM QRadar
Detects exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2025-20393, an improper input validation vulnerability (CWE-20) affecting Cisco Multiple Products. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active in-the-wild exploitation. Attackers may leverage this flaw to bypass security controls, execute unauthorized commands, or gain elevated access to affected Cisco appliances.
MITRE ATT&CK
QRadar Detection Query
SELECT sourceip, destinationip, destinationport, URL, "Log Source", QIDNAME(qid) as EventName, starttime
FROM events
WHERE (devicevendor ILIKE '%cisco%' OR category = 'Cisco')
AND (
URL ILIKE '%../%'
OR URL ILIKE '%2e%2e%2f%'
OR URL ILIKE '%252e%'
OR URL ILIKE '%;%00%'
OR LOWER("utf8(payload)") ILIKE '%input validation%'
OR LOWER("utf8(payload)") ILIKE '%cve-2025-20393%'
)
AND starttime > NOW() - 7 DAYS
ORDER BY starttime DESC
LIMIT 1000QRadar AQL query identifying suspicious HTTP requests to Cisco devices containing path traversal patterns or input validation failure messages indicative of CVE-2025-20393 exploitation attempts.
Data Sources
Required Tables
False Positives & Tuning
- Authenticated vulnerability management platforms scanning Cisco assets on schedule
- Cisco administrative tools using legacy URL formats in management API calls
- SIEM log normalization errors producing false URL pattern matches
Other platforms for CVE-2025-20393
Testing Methodology
Validate this detection against 3 adversary techniques from Atomic Red Team. Each test below lists the behaviour to exercise and the telemetry you should expect to see. Executable commands and cleanup steps are available with Pro.
- Test 1Path Traversal Probe Against Cisco SMA Interface
Expected signal: HTTP request log entry with URI containing '../' sequences recorded in Cisco SMA access log; network flow record from test host to Cisco appliance on port 443
- Test 2Null Byte Injection Input Validation Test
Expected signal: HTTP request containing '%00' in query string logged by network proxy or Cisco appliance; potential error response indicating input validation failure
- Test 3Automated Exploitation Pattern Simulation with Repeated Requests
Expected signal: Ten sequential HTTP requests with encoded path traversal sequences from same source IP within 10 seconds, logged across Cisco access logs and network flow telemetry
Unlock Pro Content
Get the full detection package for CVE-2025-20393 including response playbook, investigation guide, and atomic red team tests.