Multiple Cisco Tools at Risk from Erlang/OTP SSH Remote Code Execution Flaw

Cisco has issued a high-severity advisory (cisco-sa-erlang-otp-ssh-xyZZy) warning of a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in products using Erlang/OTP’s SSH server.

The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-32433, allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable devices, posing systemic risks to enterprise networks, cloud infrastructure, and telecom systems.

Vulnerability Overview

The flaw stems from improper handling of SSH messages during authentication, enabling attackers to bypass security checks and gain full control over affected systems.

With a CVSS score of 10.0, the vulnerability impacts Cisco’s Wide Area Application Services (WAAS), Network Services Orchestrator (NSO), Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center), and multiple routing platforms.

Erlang/OTP, a framework widely used in telecom and IoT systems, confirmed the issue on April 16, 2025.

Cisco’s investigation revealed that unpatched devices could be exploited to deploy ransomware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt critical operations.

Affected Cisco Products

Cisco has categorized impacted systems into two groups:

Confirmed Vulnerable

• Network Services Orchestrator (NSO): Patch expected May 2025 (CSCwo83796).
• ConfD/ConfD Basic: Fix slated for May 2025 (CSCwo83759).
• Ultra Cloud Core – Subscriber Microservices Infrastructure: Under active evaluation (CSCwo83747).

Affected Cisco Products

Product Category	Cisco Product	Cisco Bug ID	Fixed Release Available
Network Application, Service, and Acceleration	ConfD, ConfD Basic	CSCwo83759	May 2025
Network Management and Provisioning	Network Services Orchestrator (NSO)	CSCwo83796	May 2025
	Smart PHY	CSCwo83751	Not yet determined
Routing and Switching – Enterprise and Service Provider	Intelligent Node Manager	CSCwo83755	Not yet determined
	Ultra Cloud Core – Subscriber Microservices Infrastructure	CSCwo83747	Not yet determined

Notably, some products (e.g., Smart PHY) accept unauthenticated SSH channel requests but are immune to RCE due to configuration safeguards.

Cisco has labeled its advisory “Interim” as it continues assessing the scope. No workarounds exist, and the company urges administrators to:

1. Monitor updates: Track advisories for patch release timelines.
2. Restrict SSH access: Limit exposure by blocking unnecessary inbound SSH traffic.
3. Prioritize patching: Apply fixes immediately upon availability.

“This is a worst-case scenario—an internet-facing vulnerability with no authentication required,” said Priya Sharma, a cybersecurity analyst at SafeNet Technologies. “Organizations must assume targeted exploitation is imminent.”

The Erlang/OTP flaw highlights risks in legacy frameworks powering critical infrastructure. Telecom providers, cloud operators, and IoT manufacturers relying on Erlang are advised to conduct urgent audits.

Cisco’s disclosure follows heightened scrutiny of supply-chain vulnerabilities after recent exploits in open-source tools.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is expected to add CVE-2025-32433 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.

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