CVE-2018-0453

What it is

A vulnerability in the Sourcefire tunnel control channel protocol in Cisco Firepower System Software running on Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) sensors could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute specific CLI commands with root privileges on the Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC), or through Cisco FMC on other Firepower sensors and devices that are controlled by the same Cisco FMC. To send the commands, the attacker must have root privileges for at least one affected sensor or the Cisco FMC. The vulnerability exists because the affected software performs insufficient checks for certain CLI commands, if the commands are executed via a Sourcefire tunnel connection. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating with root privileges to a Firepower sensor or Cisco FMC, and then sending specific CLI commands to the Cisco FMC or through the Cisco FMC to another Firepower sensor via the Sourcefire tunnel connection. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify device configurations or delete files on the device that is running Cisco FMC Software or on any Firepower device that is managed by Cisco FMC.

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. 2018-10-05 14:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-08-11 19:33 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: 8.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2018-10-05 14:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-08-11 19:33 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-264

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 5.4.0
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.0.0
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.0.1
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.1.0
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.2.0
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.2.1
• Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense 6.2.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 8.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

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-2018-0453.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2018-0453. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge