CVE-2017-6737: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2017-6737 is a high (CVSS 9.0) vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-03-2022. EPSS estimates a 45.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.7% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 17-07-2017
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-03-2022
   Added to CISA KEVCisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
3. 24-03-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

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 code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted SNMP packet to the affected device. The vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow in the affected code area. The vulnerability affects all versions of SNMP (versions 1, 2c, and 3). The attacker must know the SNMP read only community string (SNMP version 2c or earlier) or the user credentials (SNMPv3). An exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the system or to cause a reload of the affected system. Only traffic directed to the affected system can be used to exploit this vulnerability.

• CWE-119Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory BufferThe product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it reads from or writes to a memory location outside the buffer's intended boundary. This may result in read or write operations on unexpected memory locations that could be linked to other variables, data structures, or internal program data.