CVE-2018-0171: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software Smart Install Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2018-0171 is a high (CVSS 10.0) Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. EPSS estimates a 99.48% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 28-03-2018
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-11-2021
   Added to CISA KEVCisco IOS and IOS XE Software Smart Install Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
3. 03-05-2022
   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, or to execute arbitrary code on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of packet data. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted Smart Install message to an affected device on TCP port 4786. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a buffer overflow on the affected device, which could have the following impacts: Triggering a reload of the device, Allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device, Causing an indefinite loop on the affected device that triggers a watchdog crash. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg76186.

• 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.
• CWE-787Out-of-bounds WriteThe product writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.