CVE-2017-6739KEV · OVERDUECWE-119

Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published July 17, 2017

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 95.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1673
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.0
8.8
EPSS
11%
Percentile
95.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ An authenticated attacker can trigger a full system reload or run their own code just by tossing a crafted SNMP packet at the device! 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant where the chef only lets certain folks into the kitchen, but once they’re inside, they can swap out ingredients or even restart the whole cooking process. If someone knows the right password (or community string), they can wreak some serious havoc! This vulnerability is exceptionally dangerous because it allows someone who knows the SNMP credentials to not only restart crucial services but also execute arbitrary code, potentially giving them complete control over the system. Imagine a malicious actor taking over your kitchen and running whatever chaotic orders they want—absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant where the chef only lets certain folks into the kitchen, but once they’re inside, they can swap out ingredients or even restart the whole cooking process. If someone knows the right password (or community string), they can wreak some serious havoc! The vulnerability stems from a buffer overflow in the SNMP implementation, affecting all versions (1, 2c, and 3). An attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted SNMP packets to the targeted device, which could lead to code execution or system reloads.

What to do

This vulnerability is exceptionally dangerous because it allows someone who knows the SNMP credentials to not only restart crucial services but also execute arbitrary code, potentially giving them complete control over the system. Imagine a malicious actor taking over your kitchen and running whatever chaotic orders they want—absolutely devastating! To protect your systems, make sure to patch to the updated version that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, consider changing your SNMP community strings and limiting access to only trusted network segments to reduce exposure. Don't underestimate the importance of these steps! You’ve got this! Stay vigilant, follow these actions, and your systems will be much safer in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.0
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.10855 · 95.8th percentile
Weakness
CWE-119 · Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
Published
2017-07-17T21:00Z
KEV added
2022-03-03 · due 2022-03-24
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 24
    kev
  • 17 JUL 21:00Z
    A vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute…
    cvelistv5