CVE-2018-0171
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.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected products
2- cpe:2.3:o:cisco:ios:15.2\(5\)e:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
References
7- www.securityfocus.com/bid/103538nvdThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
- www.securitytracker.com/id/1040580nvdThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
- ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-18-107-04nvdThird Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource
- ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-18-107-05nvdThird Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource
- tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180328-smi2nvdVendor Advisory
- www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalognvdUS Government Resource
- www.darkreading.com/perimeter/attackers-exploit-cisco-switch-issue-as-vendor-warns-of-yet-another-critical-flaw/d/d-id/1331490nvdPress/Media Coverage
News mentions
8- CISA Stresses Router Hardening Against Nation-State HackersGovInfoSecurity · Jul 15, 2026
- US, Allies Warn of Russian Cyberattacks Targeting Critical Infrastructure RoutersSecurityWeek · Jul 14, 2026
- U.S. Sanctions First VPN Service and Malware Cryptor Seller Over Ransomware SupportThe Hacker News · Jul 14, 2026
- Officials once again warn defenders that Russian hackers are targeting network devicesCyberScoop · Jul 13, 2026
- NSA Urges Organizations to Disable Cisco Smart Install as Russian Hackers Target RoutersCyber Security News · Jul 13, 2026
- Russian State Hackers Target Vulnerable Routers Worldwide, Joint Advisory WarnsInfosecurity Magazine · Jul 13, 2026
- US and allies warn of Russian critical infrastructure attacksBleepingComputer · Jul 13, 2026
- Improve Router Hygiene to Protect Against Russian State-Sponsored TargetingCISA Alerts