CVE-2018-0101

CRITICAL EXPLOITED

Cisco ASA <9.1.7.23/9.2.0-9.2.4.27 RCE via SSL VPN XML Packet Handling

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2018-0101 has been observed exploited in the wild (reported by VulnCheck KEV). EIP tracks 3 public exploits from researchers including Sean Dillon, Cymmetria, 1337g.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This PoC exploits CVE-2018-0101, a DoS vulnerability in Cisco ASA by sending a malformed XML payload in an HTTP POST request. The exploit triggers a crash in the target device by leveraging improper input validation in the SSL VPN functionality.

Description

A vulnerability in the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPN functionality of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute code. The vulnerability is due to an attempt to double free a region of memory when the webvpn feature is enabled on the Cisco ASA device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending multiple, crafted XML packets to a webvpn-configured interface on the affected system. An exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the system, or cause a reload of the affected device. This vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software that is running on the following Cisco products: 3000 Series Industrial Security Appliance (ISA), ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances, ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls, ASA Services Module for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers, ASA 1000V Cloud Firewall, Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance (ASAv), Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance, Firepower 4110 Security Appliance, Firepower 9300 ASA Security Module, Firepower Threat Defense Software (FTD). Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg35618.

Exploits (3)

exploitdb WORKING POC
by Sean Dillon · pythondoshardware
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43986

This PoC exploits CVE-2018-0101, a DoS vulnerability in Cisco ASA by sending a malformed XML payload in an HTTP POST request. The exploit triggers a crash in the target device by leveraging improper input validation in the SSL VPN functionality.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Dos
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Cisco ASA device
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 57 stars
by Cymmetria · poc
https://github.com/Cymmetria/ciscoasa_honeypot

This repository contains a low-interaction honeypot designed to detect exploitation attempts against CVE-2018-0101, a DoS and RCE vulnerability in Cisco ASA. The honeypot simulates the vulnerable Cisco ASA component and logs interaction attempts.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Dos | Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Cisco ASA (specific versions affected by CVE-2018-0101)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Cisco ASA device · Vulnerable Cisco ASA version
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 14 stars
by 1337g · dos
https://github.com/1337g/CVE-2018-0101-DOS-POC

This PoC exploits CVE-2018-0101, a DoS vulnerability in Cisco ASA by sending a malformed XML payload via HTTP POST request. The exploit triggers a crash in the target system by leveraging improper input validation in the XML parser.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Dos
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Cisco ASA (specific versions affected by CVE-2018-0101)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the target Cisco ASA device
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (6)

Core 6
Core References
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/102845
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040292
Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43986/
Exploit, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://pastebin.com/YrBcG2Ln

Scores

CVSS v3 10.0
EPSS 0.8740
EPSS Percentile 99.7%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable yes
Technical Impact total

Details

VulnCheck KEV 2018-01-29
CWE
CWE-415
Status published
Products (8)
cisco/adaptive_security_appliance_software < 9.1.7.23
cisco/adaptive_security_appliance_software 9.2.0 - 9.2.4.27
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.0.0
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.0.1
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.1.0
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.2.0
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.2.1
cisco/firepower_threat_defense 6.2.2
Published Jan 29, 2018
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026