CVE-2018-0171 Cisco IOS and IOS XE: command or code injection

In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on Nov 3, 2021 · US federal patch deadline May 3, 2022

What to do

Install Cisco's security update for IOS and IOS XE. 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 IOS XE Software Smart Install Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Product: Cisco IOS and IOS XE
CISA description: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software improperly validates packet data, allowing an unauthenticated, remote attacker to trigger a reload of an affected device, cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition, or perform code execution on the affected device.
Type of flaw: Command or code injection (CWE-20)
Confirmed exploited: Nov 3, 2021
US federal patch deadline: May 3, 2022

NVD record ↗CISA catalog ↗

Ask Cleus about it

Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.

Answering about CVE-2018-0171 ·

Questions about CVE-2018-0171

Is CVE-2018-0171 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2018-0171 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2018-0171?

Install Cisco's security update for IOS and IOS XE. 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-2018-0171?

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