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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2017-3881

CriticalExploitedPublic exploit

A vulnerability in the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of an affected device or remotely execute code with elevated privileges.

Published Mar 17, 2017 · Updated Apr 22, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2017-3881 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting IOS (Cisco), IOS Xe (Cisco), Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software.
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 17, 2017. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 99% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including IOS 15.1\(3\)svs, IOS Xe 3.9e.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

9.8

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

99%

Higher than 99.9% 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-2017-3881 brief as a PDF

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Description

A vulnerability in the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of an affected device or remotely execute code with elevated privileges. The Cluster Management Protocol utilizes Telnet internally as a signaling and command protocol between cluster members. The vulnerability is due to the combination of two factors: (1) the failure to restrict the use of CMP-specific Telnet options only to internal, local communications between cluster members and instead accept and process such options over any Telnet connection to an affected device; and (2) the incorrect processing of malformed CMP-specific Telnet options. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malformed CMP-specific Telnet options while establishing a Telnet session with an affected Cisco device configured to accept Telnet connections. An exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the device or cause a reload of the affected device. This affects Catalyst switches, Embedded Service 2020 switches, Enhanced Layer 2 EtherSwitch Service Module, Enhanced Layer 2/3 EtherSwitch Service Module, Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module (CGESM) for HP, IE Industrial Ethernet switches, ME 4924-10GE switch, RF Gateway 10, and SM-X Layer 2/3 EtherSwitch Service Module. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd48893.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVMar 25, 2022Apr 15, 2022Not reported
Industry KEV feedMar 17, 2017Apr 15, 2022Not reported
CIRCL KEVMar 25, 2022Apr 15, 2022Not reported
ENISA EUVDMar 25, 2022n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
IOSCiscoSee advisory15.1\(3\)svs
IOS XeCiscoSee advisory3.9e
Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software>= Cisco IOS and IOS XE Softwaren/a

Patched Releases

IOS

15.1\(3\)svs

IOS Xe

3.9e

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Mar 17, 2017

  2. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Mar 17, 2017

  3. Added to CISA KEV

    Mar 25, 2022

  4. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Mar 25, 2022

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Mar 25, 2022

  6. Last updated

    Apr 22, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-20 Improper Input Validation

References

9 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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