CVE-2018-0159

Name: CVE-2018-0159
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-03-28T22:29:00.593+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 6.87%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-0159 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of specific IKEv1 packets. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 6.87% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of specific IKEv1 packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted IKEv1 packets to an affected device during an IKE negotiation. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause an affected device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuj73916.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

6.87%

93.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Mar 17, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ios	15.3\(3\)s
Cisco	Ios Xe	15.3\(3\)s

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103562Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040595Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180328-ike-dosVendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103562Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040595Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180328-ike-dosVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-0159US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Mar 28, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-0159?

How severe is CVE-2018-0159?

CVE-2018-0159 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 6.87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2018-0159?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-0159?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST