The Register: No login? No problem: Cisco ISE flaw gave root access before fix arrived, say researchers

Jul 24, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/07/24/no_login_no_problem_cisco_flaw/
Source: The Register
Title: No login? No problem: Cisco ISE flaw gave root access before fix arrived, say researchers

Feedly Summary: Shadowserver claims miscreants were already poking at a critical hole in early July, long before Switchzilla patched it
Threat actors have actively exploited a newly patched vulnerability in Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) software since early July, weeks before the networking giant got around to issuing a fix.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses a critical vulnerability in Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) software that has been actively exploited by threat actors since July, prior to the official patch release. This situation highlights the urgency for organizations to prioritize timely security updates and proactive monitoring of vulnerabilities to mitigate risks effectively.

Detailed Description: The text details a concerning security incident where a vulnerability was discovered in Cisco’s Identity Services Engine, a software solution widely used for network access control. The report indicates that threat actors were taking advantage of this vulnerability for weeks before Cisco issued a patch, presenting significant implications for security professionals.

– **Vulnerability Exploitation:** Threat actors exploited the vulnerability in a prominent software, indicating a high level of sophistication and proactive identification of security weaknesses.
– **Timing of Patch Release:** The patch was issued long after exploitation commenced, raising concerns about the response time of software vendors to emerging threats.
– **Key Takeaway for Security Teams:** Organizations must implement robust vulnerability management practices that include:
– Continuous monitoring for emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
– Rapid response and mitigation strategies for critical vulnerabilities.
– Collaboration with vendor security advisories to stay informed and proactive.

This incident serves as a reminder that vulnerabilities in widely used infrastructure components can lead to significant security risks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an agile security posture in response to evolving threats. Security and compliance professionals should prioritize risk assessment practices and ensure that patches are applied in a timely manner to defend against known exploits.

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