CVE-2018-0294

What it is

A vulnerability in the write-erase feature of Cisco FXOS Software and Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to configure an unauthorized administrator account for an affected device. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not properly delete sensitive files when certain CLI commands are used to clear the device configuration and reload a device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging into an affected device as an administrative user and configuring an unauthorized account for the device. The account would not require a password for authentication and would be accessible only via a Secure Shell (SSH) connection to the device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to configure an unauthorized account that has administrative privileges, does not require a password for authentication, and does not appear in the running configuration or the audit logs for the affected device. This vulnerability affects Firepower 4100 Series Next-Generation Firewalls, Firepower 9300 Security Appliance, Nexus 1000V Series Switches, Nexus 1100 Series Cloud Services Platforms, Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders, Nexus 3500 Platform Switches, Nexus 4000 Series Switches, Nexus 5500 Platform Switches, Nexus 5600 Platform Switches, Nexus 6000 Series Switches, UCS 6100 Series Fabric Interconnects, UCS 6200 Series Fabric Interconnects, UCS 6300 Series Fabric Interconnects. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd13993, CSCvd34845, CSCvd34857, CSCvd34862, CSCvd34879, CSCve35753.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2018-06-20 21:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:30 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-06-20 21:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:30 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-264

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco nx-os 7.3\(2\)n1\(0.354\)
• Cisco nx-os 5.2\(1\)sv3\(1.10\)
• Cisco nx-os 8.8\(3.5\)s0
• Cisco nx-os 7.0\(3\)i2\(4a\)
• Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System < 2.1.1.86
• Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System < 2.2.2.17
• Cisco Fxos < 2.0.1.159
• Cisco nx-os 4.1\(2\)e1\(1a\)

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2018-0294.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-0294. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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