CVE-2018-0248 : Security Advisory and Response

A weakness in the administrative GUI configuration feature of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) situation by forcing the device to reload. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 8.3.150.0, 8.5.140.0, and 8.8.111.0.

Understanding CVE-2018-0248

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software that could lead to a DoS condition on affected devices.

What is CVE-2018-0248?

The vulnerability allows an attacker with valid administrator credentials to reload the device during configuration via the GUI, causing a DoS situation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0248

CVSS Base Score: 6.8 (Medium)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: High
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0248

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the GUI configuration feature, enabling attackers to submit unexpected configuration options.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software versions prior to 8.3.150.0, 8.5.140.0, and 8.8.111.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers authenticate to the device and provide manipulated user input through the GUI configuration feature, causing the device to reload.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2018-0248 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure strict access control and limit administrator privileges.
Regularly monitor and audit GUI configuration activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices.
Conduct regular security training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Apply the necessary patches provided by Cisco to address this vulnerability.