CVE-2018-0235 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the validation function of the 802.11 frame in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) could lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-0235

This CVE identifies a flaw in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller that allows an attacker to cause a DoS condition by sending a malformed 802.11 management frame.

What is CVE-2018-0235?

The vulnerability in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller arises from inadequate validation of specific 802.11 management information element frames received from wireless clients. An attacker can exploit this by sending a malformed frame to prompt the device to reload unexpectedly, causing a DoS situation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0235

The vulnerability can result in an unforeseen device reload, leading to a denial of service for an adjacent attacker without authentication. This could disrupt network operations and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0235

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the validation function of the 802.11 frame in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller allows an attacker to trigger an unexpected device reload, causing a DoS condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
Versions: Cisco Mobility Express Release 8.5.103.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending a malformed 802.11 management frame to the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-0235 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all network devices to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address security gaps.
Educate users and administrators about best security practices to enhance overall network security.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from vendors.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure that the affected systems are updated with the latest patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.