CWE
264
Advisory Published
Updated

CVE-2018-15370: Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series Switches ROM Monitor Software Secure Boot Bypass Vulnerability

First published: Fri Oct 05 2018(Updated: )

A vulnerability in Cisco IOS ROM Monitor (ROMMON) Software for Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, local attacker to bypass Cisco Secure Boot validation checks and load a compromised software image on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to the presence of a hidden command in the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to an affected device via the console, forcing the device into ROMMON mode, and writing a malicious pattern to a specific memory address on the device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass signature validation checks by Cisco Secure Boot technology and load a compromised software image on the affected device. A compromised software image is any software image that has not been digitally signed by Cisco.

Credit: ykramarz@cisco.com

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
Cisco IOS ROM Monitor (ROMMON)=15.1\(2\)sy3

Never miss a vulnerability like this again

Sign up to SecAlerts for real-time vulnerability data matched to your software, aggregated from hundreds of sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the severity of CVE-2018-15370?

    CVE-2018-15370 has a high severity rating due to the potential for an attacker to bypass secure boot processes.

  • How do I fix CVE-2018-15370?

    To fix CVE-2018-15370, upgrade the Cisco IOS ROM Monitor software to a version that addresses this vulnerability.

  • What devices are affected by CVE-2018-15370?

    CVE-2018-15370 specifically affects Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series Switches running the 15.1(2)sy3 version of IOS ROM Monitor.

  • What type of attacker can exploit CVE-2018-15370?

    An unauthenticated, local attacker can exploit CVE-2018-15370 to load a compromised software image.

  • What are the potential impacts of CVE-2018-15370?

    Exploitation of CVE-2018-15370 can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected Cisco device.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2025 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203