CVE-2018-0231 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-0231 affecting Cisco ASA and FTD Software. Discover the impact, affected systems, exploitation details, and mitigation steps to secure your network.
A vulnerability in the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthorized remote attacker to exploit the system, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) situation.
Understanding CVE-2018-0231
This CVE identifies a flaw in Cisco ASA and FTD Software that could be exploited by sending a malicious Transport Layer Security (TLS) message to a vulnerable device.
What is CVE-2018-0231?
The vulnerability arises from a lack of validation for user-supplied input, allowing an attacker to trigger a reload of the affected device, causing a DoS situation.
The Impact of CVE-2018-0231
- Successful exploitation could result in a buffer underflow and crash of the affected device.
- The vulnerability affects various Cisco products such as ASAv, FTDv, and Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-0231
This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
- The flaw allows an attacker to send a malevolent TLS message to an interface supporting SSL services on the vulnerable device.
- Exploitation cannot be done using SSLv3 or SSLv2 messages.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Cisco ASA Software and Cisco FTD Software on products like ASAv, FTDv, and Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance.
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attacker sends a malicious TLS message to an SSL-enabled interface on the vulnerable device.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-0231 is crucial to prevent potential attacks.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches and updates promptly.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Implement firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cisco.