CVE DatabaseCVE-2017-6740
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CVE-2017-67408.8/HIGHCISA KEVCWE-119CWE-119

Cisco IOS and IOS XE SNMP Subsystem Remote Code Execution and DoS Vulnerability (CVE-2017-6740)

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Affected Vendors
cisco
Affected Components
ios, ios xe
Published Date
2017-07-17
CVSS v3.1
8.8
HIGH
EPSS (30d)
11.1%
FIRST.org
CISA KEV
Exploited

Executive & SecOps Summary

SECOPS ASSESSMENT
Affected Scope

All Cisco devices running Cisco IOS or IOS XE software with SNMP enabled and affected MIBs/OIDs not explicitly excluded

Impact

An authenticated, remote attacker can execute arbitrary code with full system privileges or trigger a device reload, causing a complete Denial of Service (DoS)

Mitigation

Apply official software updates via Cisco IOS Software Checker, or implement workarounds including SNMP View restrictions and Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Affected Products & Version Scope

All versions of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software where SNMP is enabled and affected MIBs are not explicitly excluded

Remediation & Live Workaround Commands

PATCH & WORKAROUND

1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands

Verify your current software version using the Cisco IOS Software Checker and upgrade to a fixed release. Below is an example of upgrading the IOS image via TFTP:

bash
! Verify current boot image and storage space
show boot
show flash:

! Download the patched image and update boot system path
copy tftp://10.1.1.100/c3900e-universalk9-mz.SPA.155-3.M10.bin flash:
configure terminal
 no boot system
 boot system flash c3900e-universalk9-mz.SPA.155-3.M10.bin
 write memory
exit
reload

2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration

If patching cannot be performed immediately, restrict SNMP access using SNMP Views to exclude vulnerable MIBs and apply Access Control Lists (ACLs) to restrict SNMP traffic to authorized management hosts only.

bash
configure terminal
! Define SNMP View to exclude vulnerable MIBs (e.g., ADSL-LINE-MIB components)
 snmp-server view SNMP_PREVENT_VIEW iso included
 snmp-server view SNMP_PREVENT_VIEW adslAtucPhysTable excluded
 snmp-server view SNMP_PREVENT_VIEW adslAturPhysTable excluded

! Define ACL to restrict SNMP access to trusted management subnet
 ip access-list standard SNMP_ADMIN_ONLY
  permit 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255
  deny any log

! Apply the view and ACL to the SNMP community
 snmp-server community <YOUR_SECRET_COMMUNITY> view SNMP_PREVENT_VIEW RO SNMP_ADMIN_ONLY
end
write memory

3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands

Monitor the device for unexpected reloads or unauthorized SNMP access attempts.

bash
! Check system uptime and reload reasons
show version | include returned to
show processes cpu sorted | include snmp

! Audit logs for SNMP authentication failures and blocked access attempts
show logging | include %SNMP-3-AUTHFAIL|%SEC-6-IPACCESSLOG
Interactive SecOps Remediation Checklist
0/4 (0%)
Recommended Security Control & Mitigation Partner
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics

1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause

This vulnerability is a buffer overflow condition (CWE-119) within the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. It stems from insufficient boundary validation when processing crafted SNMP packets, affecting all versions of SNMP (v1, v2c, and v3).

2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted SNMP packets via IPv4 or IPv6 directly to the target system. To successfully execute the exploit, authentication is required: for SNMP v1 and v2c, the attacker must know the read-only community string; for SNMP v3, valid user credentials are required. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to corrupt memory, execute arbitrary code, and gain full control of the device.

3. Infrastructure & Business Impact

As a CISA KEV-listed vulnerability, this flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. Compromise of core routing and switching infrastructure allows attackers to intercept network traffic, manipulate routing tables, and establish persistent footholds within the enterprise network. Unsuccessful exploitation attempts will still trigger a device reload, leading to network downtime.

Official Vendor Advisories & References

NVD Original English Description

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.

Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2017-6740)

FAQ

Q1. How critical is CVE-2017-6740 and is it actively exploited in the wild?

CVE-2017-6740 is rated CVSS 8.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 11.1%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.

Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2017-6740?

Primary impacted vendors include cisco across ios, ios xe. Scope summary: All versions of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software where SNMP is enabled and affected MIBs are not explicitly excluded

Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2017-6740 before patching?

[Mitigation] Apply official software updates via Cisco IOS Software Checker, or implement workarounds including SNMP View restrictions and Access Control Lists (ACLs) Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.

SECOPS WORKBENCH INTEGRATION

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CVE-2017-6740 Cisco IOS and IOS XE SNMP Subsystem Remote Code Execution and DoS Vulnerability (CVE-2017-6740) (CVSS 8.8) - Patch & Workaround | CVE Pulse