CVE-2017-3881
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitA 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
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 17, 2017 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 25, 2022 | 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 | 15.1\(3\)svs |
| IOS XeCisco | See advisory | 3.9e |
| Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software | >= Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software | n/a |
Patched Releases
IOS
15.1\(3\)svs
IOS Xe
3.9e
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Mar 17, 2017
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 17, 2017
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 25, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 25, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- advisoryhttps://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170317-cmp
- advisory96960
- advisory97391
- advisory1038059
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: IOS (Cisco); IOS Xe (Cisco); Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software versions >= Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. 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 Mar 17, 2017.
Yes. It was added on Mar 25, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 15, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
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.
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