CVE-2018-0159 Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software: software flaw

In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on Mar 3, 2022 · US federal patch deadline Mar 17, 2022

What to do

Install Cisco's security update for IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).

Who is affected

Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.

The details

Official name: Cisco IOS and XE Software Internet Key Exchange Version 1 Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
Product: Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software
CISA 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.
Type of flaw: Software flaw (CWE-20)
Confirmed exploited: Mar 3, 2022
US federal patch deadline: Mar 17, 2022

NVD record ↗CISA catalog ↗

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Answering about CVE-2018-0159 ·

Questions about CVE-2018-0159

Is CVE-2018-0159 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2018-0159 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2018-0159?

Install Cisco's security update for IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.

Am I affected by CVE-2018-0159?

Only if you use Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.