Executive Summary
BadCandy malware targeting unpatched Cisco IOS XE devices with web UI exposed to the internet, exploiting CVE-2023-20198 vulnerability.
This critical vulnerability with CVSS score 10.0 requires immediate attention from Australian organizations using Cisco IOS XE.
Technical Details
Vulnerability Overview
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-1890
- CVSS Score: 10.0 (Critical)
- Published: November 07, 2025
- Vendor: Cisco
- Product: IOS XE
- Category: Remote Code Execution
Impact Assessment
Attackers gain persistent backdoor access with privilege level 15, allowing complete device control.
⚠️ This is a CRITICAL vulnerability requiring immediate remediation.
Affected Systems
Organizations using Cisco IOS XE should immediately assess their exposure to this vulnerability.
- Check version numbers against affected ranges
- Review security advisories from Cisco
- Assess internet-facing exposure
- Conduct vulnerability scans
Threat Level
Based on CVSS 10.0 score and vulnerability type (Remote Code Execution), this represents a critical threat to Australian organizations.
Priority: 🔴 URGENT
Mitigation and Remediation
Immediate Actions
Disable HTTP server, apply patches, and scan for indicators of compromise
General Remediation Steps
- Identify all instances of Cisco IOS XE in your environment
- Review vendor security advisories for specific patch information
- Test patches in non-production environment if possible
- Deploy patches to production systems following change management procedures
- Verify patch deployment and conduct post-patch validation
- Monitor systems for signs of exploitation or compromise
Compensating Controls (If Immediate Patching Not Possible)
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure
- Deploy additional monitoring and detection capabilities
- Restrict access to affected systems using ACLs or firewall rules
- Enable additional logging and alerting
- Conduct more frequent security assessments
- Document exceptions and remediation timeline
Australian Organizational Guidance
Compliance Considerations
- Essential Eight: Patch applications within timeframes appropriate to risk (Critical: 48 hours)
- ISM Controls: Follow ACSC guidelines for vulnerability management
- Privacy Act: Consider notification requirements if data exposure possible
- Industry Standards: Align with sector-specific security requirements
- SOCI Act: Critical infrastructure entities must report security incidents
Resources for Australian Organizations
Detection and Monitoring
Indicators to Monitor
- Unusual authentication patterns or failures
- Unexpected system configuration changes
- Anomalous network traffic patterns
- Suspicious process execution
- Unauthorized access attempts
- Unusual outbound connections
Log Analysis
Review system logs for indicators of exploitation. Focus on:
- Authentication logs for unusual login patterns
- System logs for configuration changes
- Application-specific logs for IOS XE
- Network traffic logs for C2 communications
- Security tool alerts and correlations
SIEM Detection Rules
Implement detection rules specific to Remote Code Execution attacks. Monitor for patterns consistent with this vulnerability and establish baselines for normal behavior.
References and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is CVE-2025-1890?
With a CVSS score of 10.0, this is classified as critical. This requires immediate attention and remediation within 48 hours according to Essential Eight guidelines.
How do I know if I'm affected?
Check if you're using Cisco IOS XE. Review the vendor's security advisory for specific affected version ranges and configurations. Conduct vulnerability scans and asset inventory checks.
What should Australian organizations do?
Follow ACSC guidance for vulnerability management. Assess your exposure, prioritize based on risk, and implement patches or compensating controls as appropriate. Document all actions taken and ensure senior management is informed.
Where can I get patches?
Obtain patches directly from Cisco through their official support channels or customer portal. Ensure patches are validated before deployment and test in non-production environments first.
What if I can't patch immediately?
Implement compensating controls as listed above. Document the exception, establish a remediation timeline, and increase monitoring. Report to senior management and consider third-party security services for additional support.
Need Expert Assistance?
Australian cybersecurity professionals can help assess your exposure to CVE-2025-1890 and implement appropriate remediation strategies.