CVE-2018-0125
Cisco VPN Routers Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2018-0125 is a critical input validation vulnerability affecting Cisco VPN Routers. A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco VPN Routers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code as root and gain full control of an affected system. An attacker can exploit this flaw without authentication over the network. CISA has added this vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. The EPSS score of 40.17% (97.3th percentile) indicates a significantly elevated exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| cisco | rv132w firmware | 1.0 |
| cisco | rv134w firmware | 1.0 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103140(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040336(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180207-rv13x(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-0125(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
Improper Input Validation is a software weakness where a product receives input or data but does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties required to process data safely and correctly. This vulnerability occurs when applications accept user-supplied data without verifying that it conforms to expected formats, lengths, types, or ranges. In the case of CVE-2018-0125, this weakness allows attackers to compromise Cisco VPN Routers systems.
Learn more: CWE-20 — Improper Input Validation
Impact Analysis
CVE-2018-0125 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 (CRITICAL), reflecting the serious risk it poses to affected environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of data confidentiality, full system integrity compromise, and complete denial of service. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, meaning exploitation is straightforward and can be reliably repeated. Organizations running Cisco VPN Routers face tangible risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruption if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2018-0125 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-04-15, confirming that real-world exploitation has been observed. The EPSS score of 40.17% (97.3th percentile) places this vulnerability among those most likely to be exploited.
Remediation
- Apply updates per vendor instructions. This is the CISA-mandated remediation action and should be prioritized immediately.
- If patches cannot be applied immediately, restrict network access to the affected VPN Routers management interfaces to only trusted administrative networks using firewall rules or access control lists.
- Monitor vendor security advisories for additional updates and ensure a patch management process is in place for timely deployment.
- Conduct a thorough review of affected systems for signs of prior compromise, including unexpected user accounts, modified configurations, and unusual network activity.
- Implement defense-in-depth measures including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous security monitoring for the affected infrastructure.
Technical Details
CVE-2018-0125 is exploitable remotely over the network without any prior authentication. A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco VPN Routers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code as root and gain full control of an affected system. The attack complexity is rated low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparation are needed beyond network access to the target. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the combination of these factors and the potential for significant damage to affected systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2018-0125 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2018-0125 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 40.17% (97.3th percentile) further indicates high exploitation likelihood.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-0125?
CVE-2018-0125 affects Cisco VPN Routers. Specifically, affected products include cisco rv132w firmware, cisco rv134w firmware.
How do I fix CVE-2018-0125?
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Ensure your systems are updated to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict network access to the affected system's management interfaces.
How severe is CVE-2018-0125?
CVE-2018-0125 has a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This is a critical vulnerability that should be remediated with the highest priority. The vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote attackers to potentially compromise affected VPN Routers systems.
Need Help With Vulnerability Management?
Our security experts can help you prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.