CVE-2018-7445
MikroTik RouterOS Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
MikroTik RouterOS
A buffer overflow was found in the MikroTik RouterOS SMB service when processing NetBIOS session request messages. Remote attackers with access to the service can exploit this vulnerability and gain code execution on the system. The overflow occurs before authentication takes place, so it is possible for an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit it. All architectures and all devices running RouterOS before versions 6.41.3/6.42rc27 are vulnerable.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 8 September 2022. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 29 September 2022.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 65.8%, which is higher than 99.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2018-7445 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2018-7445.
What does CVE-2018-7445 affect?
CVE-2018-7445 affects MikroTik RouterOS. A buffer overflow was found in the MikroTik RouterOS SMB service when processing NetBIOS session request messages. Remote attackers with access to the service can exploit this vulnerability and gain code execution on the system. The overflow occurs before authentication takes place, so it is possible for an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit it. All architectures and all devices running RouterOS before versions 6.41.3/6.42rc27 are vulnerable.
How severe is CVE-2018-7445?
CVE-2018-7445 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 65.8%, higher than 99.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 29 September 2022.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2018-7445?
Apply the vendor patch for MikroTik RouterOS as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.