CVE-2018-0286 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-0286, a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR Software allowing remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
Cisco IOS XR Software is vulnerable to a denial of service (DoS) attack through the netconf interface due to improper request handling. An attacker can exploit this flaw to trigger a restart of the netconf process, leading to a DoS condition.
Understanding CVE-2018-0286
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR Software that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to disrupt system availability through a DoS attack.
What is CVE-2018-0286?
The vulnerability in the netconf interface of Cisco IOS XR Software enables attackers to exploit malformed requests, causing the netconf process to restart and resulting in a DoS condition on the affected system.
The Impact of CVE-2018-0286
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can remotely exploit it to disrupt services, leading to system unavailability and potential service downtime.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-0286
Cisco IOS XR Software vulnerability details and impact.
Vulnerability Description
- An unauthenticated attacker can exploit the netconf interface vulnerability to trigger a DoS attack by sending malicious requests to the affected software.
- The flaw arises from the netconf process's improper handling of malformed requests, allowing attackers to restart the targeted process.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS XR
- Version: Cisco IOS XR
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers send malicious requests to the netconf interface, exploiting the vulnerability in request processing.
- The attacker's actions lead to the restart of the netconf process, causing a DoS condition on the targeted system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-0286 and reducing the risk of DoS attacks.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches and updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate an ongoing attack.
- Conduct security awareness training for employees to recognize and report potential security incidents.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and apply relevant patches to address known vulnerabilities promptly.