CVE-2018-0158 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-0158, a vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE IKEv2 module allowing remote attackers to trigger memory leaks or device reloads, leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions.
An issue has been discovered in the Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2) module of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Understanding CVE-2018-0158
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the IKEv2 module of Cisco IOS and IOS XE, allowing a remote unauthenticated attacker to trigger a memory leak or device reload, resulting in a DoS situation.
What is CVE-2018-0158?
The vulnerability in the IKEv2 module of Cisco IOS and IOS XE could be exploited by sending crafted IKEv2 packets to the device, causing it to consume memory continuously until a reload occurs, leading to a DoS condition.
The Impact of CVE-2018-0158
The vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to initiate a memory leak or device reload, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition due to incorrect handling of specific IKEv2 packets.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-0158
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2018-0158 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from incorrect handling of specific IKEv2 packets in the Cisco IOS and IOS XE software, allowing an attacker to exploit the flaw.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS and IOS XE
- Versions: Cisco IOS and IOS XE
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to send specifically crafted IKEv2 packets to the affected device, triggering memory consumption and eventual reload.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-0158 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation attempts.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses proactively.
Patching and Updates
Cisco has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure timely application of these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.