CVE-2018-0160 : What You Need to Know

A flaw in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS XE Software could lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2018-0160

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software that could allow a remote attacker to trigger a DoS scenario by exploiting SNMP.

What is CVE-2018-0160?

The vulnerability stems from improper memory resource handling, specifically a double free issue, in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS XE Software. Attackers could exploit this flaw by sending manipulated SNMP packets to vulnerable devices, causing them to restart and leading to a DoS situation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0160

Remote authenticated attackers could exploit the vulnerability to cause a DoS condition on affected devices.
Successful exploitation could result in a restart of the targeted device, disrupting its normal operation.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0160

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw exists in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS XE Software due to improper memory resource management, known as a double free issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco IOS XE
Versions: Cisco IOS XE

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted SNMP packets to vulnerable devices, causing them to reload and leading to a DoS scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from potential attacks by following these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable SNMP querying if not essential for operations.
Implement strong SNMP community strings and user credentials.
Regularly monitor and update SNMP configurations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.