CVE-2018-7185 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-7185, a vulnerability in the NTP protocol engine allowing remote attackers to disrupt system availability. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
In ntp 4.2.6 prior to 4.2.8p11, a vulnerability in the protocol engine allows remote attackers to disrupt system availability by sending a packet with specific characteristics.
Understanding CVE-2018-7185
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the NTP protocol engine that can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service by disrupting the system's availability.
What is CVE-2018-7185?
The vulnerability in ntp 4.2.6 before 4.2.8p11 allows attackers to disrupt the system's availability by sending a packet with a zero-origin timestamp and source IP address from the opposite side of an interleaved association, causing the victim ntpd to reset its association.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7185
The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt the availability of the targeted ntpd, potentially leading to a denial of service condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7185
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The protocol engine in ntp 4.2.6 before 4.2.8p11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service by continually sending a packet with specific characteristics.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions affected: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by consistently sending a packet with a zero-origin timestamp and source IP address from the opposite side of an interleaved association.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-7185 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to NTP.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch NTP software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from NTP vendors.
- Apply patches promptly to ensure system security.