CVE-2018-0158
Published: March 3, 2022
Official Description
A vulnerability in the implementation of Internet Key Exchange Version 1 (IKEv1) functionality in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload, resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
CISA KEV Advisory
Cisco IOS and XE Software Internet Key Exchange Memory Leak Vulnerability
A vulnerability in the implementation of Internet Key Exchange Version 1 (IKEv1) functionality in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload, resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
A vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE's IKEv1 implementation could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a device reload, leading to a denial-of-service condition. This high-severity flaw can disrupt network services. The high severity and confirmed exploitation in the wild make this an urgent concern.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active use by threat actors. This indicates a high probability of successful exploitation by unauthenticated remote attackers.
Apply the latest security updates for Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software to address this denial-of-service vulnerability. Review and harden IKEv1 configurations.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-0158 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2018-0158 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-0158 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1