CVE-2018-0165 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-0165, a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software affecting Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches and devices with IP multicast routing. Find mitigation steps and patching details.
A potential vulnerability in the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packet-processing feature in Cisco IOS XE Software could lead to a denial of service (DoS) situation known as a Memory Leak. This weakness affects Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches and Cisco devices running specific software versions with IP multicast routing configured.
Understanding CVE-2018-0165
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software that could be exploited by an adjacent attacker without authentication, resulting in a DoS condition.
What is CVE-2018-0165?
The vulnerability stems from inadequate processing of IGMP Membership Query packets, allowing an attacker to flood the device with specific values, depleting buffers and causing a DoS condition.
The Impact of CVE-2018-0165
The vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS) situation known as a Memory Leak, requiring manual reload of the affected device. It affects specific Cisco devices with IP multicast routing configured.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-0165
This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the IGMP packet-processing functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated attacker to exhaust buffers on an affected device, resulting in a DoS condition.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches with Supervisor Engine 8-E running Cisco IOS XE Software Release 3.x.x.E and IP multicast routing configured
- Cisco devices running Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.x with IP multicast routing configured
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attacker floods the affected device with a large number of IGMP Membership Query packets containing specific values
- Depletion of buffers on the device causes a DoS condition
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to address and prevent the vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply relevant patches and updates from Cisco
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure
- Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software and firmware
- Conduct security audits and assessments
- Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices
Patching and Updates
- Cisco has released patches to address the vulnerability
- Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly