CVE REMEDIATION GUIDE
CISA KEV · Known exploitedHighResearch in progress

CVE-2018-0159 remediation guide

Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software

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....

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Research in progress

A verified fixed-version field is not available. Use the linked NVD and supporting references, then confirm the vendor-supported path before changing production systems.

ProductCisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software
Affected versionsCisco IOS and IOS XE, 15.3(3)s
Fixed versionsNo verified fixed-version field is available yet
Priority basisImmediate · CVSS 7.5 · EPSS 6.92%
01

Identify the affected asset

Confirm whether Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software is installed, record the deployed version and installation path, and identify exposed interfaces.

  • Record the product name, package or appliance identifier, and installed version.
  • Identify internet-facing, administrative, API, and internal access paths.
  • Preserve the pre-change configuration and relevant service logs.
02

Validate the affected-version match

Compare the deployed version with the affected range: Cisco IOS and IOS XE, 15.3(3)s. Treat incomplete inventory results as unresolved.

03

Prioritize with independent signals

CISA has listed this vulnerability in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Combine this signal with asset criticality, exposure, compensating controls, and business impact.

04

Apply supported remediation

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

05

Verify the result

Confirm the resulting version, service health, authentication and access paths, monitoring coverage, and relevant security logs.

  • Confirm the expected version and package state.
  • Run a functional health check for critical service paths.
  • Review authentication, error, application, and security monitoring logs.
  • Reassess exposure if the supported fix cannot be applied.

Operational boundary

This page does not replace the vendor advisory, support contract, change-management process, or recovery plan. Do not infer that an asset is unaffected from an incomplete inventory query or a missing fixed-version field.

CVE-2018-0159 Remediation Guide | SECUFOCUS NOW