CVE-2017-6744: Cisco IOS Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS 1 contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to remotely execute code on an affected system or cause an affected system to reload. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted SNMP packet to an affected system via IPv4 or IPv6.
Other sources
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software contains multiple vulnerabilities that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to remotely execute code on an affected system or cause an affected system to reload. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted SNMP packet to an affected system via IPv4 or IPv6. Only traffic directed to an affected system can be used to exploit these vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities are due to a buffer overflow condition in the SNMP subsystem of the affected software. The vulnerabilities affect all versions of SNMP - Versions 1, 2c, and 3. To exploit these vulnerabilities via SNMP Version 2c or earlier, the attacker must know the SNMP read-only community string for the affected system. To exploit these vulnerabilities via SNMP Version 3, the attacker must have user credentials for the affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the affected system or cause the affected system to reload. Customers are advised to apply the workaround as contained in the Workarounds section below. Fixed software information is available via the Cisco IOS Software Checker. All devices that have enabled SNMP and have not explicitly excluded the affected MIBs or OIDs should be considered vulnerable. There are workarounds that address these vulnerabilities.
— NVD
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Configuration
Disable the SNMP service on devices where SNMP is not required (turn off SNMP to prevent exposure of SNMP MIBs/OIDs).
Cisco IOS SNMP SNMP enabled = disabled - Compensating control
Restrict SNMP access to trusted management hosts and networks by applying ACLs or firewall rules allowing SNMP (UDP/161) only from known IPv4 and IPv6 management IPs/subnets; block SNMP from untrusted networks.
- Operational
Rotate SNMP credentials on affected devices: change SNMP v1/v2c community strings (read-only and read-write) and reset SNMPv3 user accounts/credentials. Treat previously used community strings and credentials as potentially compromised.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2017-6744?
CVE-2017-6744 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability, allowing remote code execution on affected Cisco devices.
How do I fix CVE-2017-6744?
To remediate CVE-2017-6744, upgrade the affected Cisco IOS or IOS XE Software to a fixed version provided by Cisco.
What are the affected versions for CVE-2017-6744?
CVE-2017-6744 impacts multiple versions of Cisco IOS and IOS XE, including 12.2(33)SXI, 12.2(50)SE, and others listed in the security advisory.
Can CVE-2017-6744 be exploited remotely?
Yes, CVE-2017-6744 can be exploited remotely by authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.
What products are impacted by CVE-2017-6744?
CVE-2017-6744 affects various Cisco IOS and IOS XE devices used in enterprise networking environments.