CVE-2018-0156: Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software Smart Install Denial-of-Service Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2018-0156 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Resource Management Errors vulnerability in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-03-2022. EPSS estimates a 9.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 95.3% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 28-03-2018
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-03-2022
   Added to CISA KEVCisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software Smart Install Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
3. 17-03-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 12-01-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A vulnerability in the Smart Install feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to trigger a reload of an affected device, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of packet data. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted packet to an affected device on TCP port 4786. Only Smart Install client switches are affected. Cisco devices that are configured as a Smart Install director are not affected by this vulnerability. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd40673.

• CWE-399Resource Management ErrorsWeaknesses in this category are related to improper management of system resources.
• CWE-20Improper Input ValidationThe product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.