CVE-2016-6415
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe server IKEv1 implementation in Cisco IOS 12.2 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.6, IOS XE through 3.18S, IOS XR 4.3.x and 5.0.x through 5.2.x, and PIX before 7.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from device memory via a Security Association (SA)…
Published Sep 18, 2016 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-6415 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting IOS (Cisco), IOS Xe (Cisco), IOS Xr (Cisco).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 28, 2016. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 88% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including IOS 12.4, IOS Xe 3.18s, IOS Xr 4.3.4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
88%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2016-6415 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The server IKEv1 implementation in Cisco IOS 12.2 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.6, IOS XE through 3.18S, IOS XR 4.3.x and 5.0.x through 5.2.x, and PIX before 7.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from device memory via a Security Association (SA) negotiation request, aka Bug IDs CSCvb29204 and CSCvb36055 or BENIGNCERTAIN.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 19, 2023 | Jun 9, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 28, 2016 | Jun 9, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | May 19, 2023 | Jun 9, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 19, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IOSCisco | See advisory | 12.4 |
| IOS XeCisco | See advisory | 3.18s |
| IOS XrCisco | See advisory | 4.3.4 |
Patched Releases
IOS
12.4
IOS Xe
3.18s
IOS Xr
4.3.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 18, 2016
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 28, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
May 19, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 19, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 19, 2023
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor
References
- advisory20160916 IKEv1 Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Multiple Cisco Products
- advisory93003
- advisory1036841
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The server IKEv1 implementation in Cisco IOS 12.2 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.6, IOS XE through 3.18S, IOS XR 4.3.x and 5.0.x through 5.2.x, and PIX before 7.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from device memory via a Security Association (SA) negotiation request, aka Bug IDs CSCvb29204 and…
Affected: IOS (Cisco); IOS Xe (Cisco); IOS Xr (Cisco). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 28, 2016.
Yes. It was added on May 19, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 9, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including IOS 12.4, IOS Xe 3.18s, IOS Xr 4.3.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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