Cisco IOS and IOS XE SNMP Subsystem Remote Code Execution and DoS Vulnerability (CVE-2017-6744)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTCisco IOS and IOS XE Software with SNMP enabled and affected MIBs/OIDs not explicitly excluded
An authenticated, remote attacker can execute arbitrary code with full system control or cause a denial of service (system reload)
Apply official Cisco software updates, or implement workarounds by restricting SNMP views to exclude vulnerable MIBs and enforcing ACLs
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Verify your current software version and upgrade to a fixed Cisco IOS/IOS XE release using the Cisco IOS Software Checker.
2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If patching is not immediately feasible, configure an SNMP view to exclude vulnerable MIBs (such as ADSL-LINE-MIB) and associate it with your community strings.
! Define an SNMP view that excludes vulnerable MIBs
snmp-server view SNMP_LIMIT_VIEW iso included
snmp-server view SNMP_LIMIT_VIEW adslLineMib excluded
! Apply the restricted view to your SNMP community
snmp-server community <YOUR_COMMUNITY_STRING> view SNMP_LIMIT_VIEW RO3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Audit the SNMP configuration and restrict SNMP access to authorized management stations using Access Control Lists (ACLs).
! Verify SNMP status and configured communities
show snmp
show snmp community
! Define an ACL to restrict SNMP access
ip access-list standard SNMP_ALLOW_ACL
permit 10.10.10.0 0.0.0.255
deny any log
! Bind the ACL to the SNMP community
snmp-server community <YOUR_COMMUNITY_STRING> RO SNMP_ALLOW_ACLStop Exposing VPN Ports to the Internet — Switch to Zero-Trust Access
Eliminate public-facing VPN concentrators and firewall management ports with identity-first Zero-Trust Network Access.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2017-6744) exists in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. It is caused by a buffer overflow condition (CWE-119) when processing crafted SNMP packets. The vulnerability affects all versions of SNMP (v1, v2c, and v3).
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must send a crafted SNMP packet via IPv4 or IPv6 directly to the affected system. For SNMP v1/v2c, the attacker must know the read-only community string. For SNMP v3, valid user credentials are required. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code under the context of the operating system or trigger a device reload.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As a CISA KEV-listed vulnerability, this flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. A successful compromise can lead to complete takeover of core network infrastructure, enabling traffic interception, unauthorized routing modifications, and lateral movement within the enterprise network.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
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-2017-6744)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2017-6744 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2017-6744 is rated CVSS 8.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 7.3%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2017-6744?
Primary impacted vendors include cisco across ios, ios xe. Scope summary: All Cisco devices running IOS or IOS XE with SNMP enabled and affected MIBs/OIDs not explicitly excluded
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2017-6744 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply official Cisco software updates, or implement workarounds by restricting SNMP views to exclude vulnerable MIBs and enforcing ACLs Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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