CVE-2017-6742
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute code.
Published Jul 17, 2017 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-6742 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting IOS (Cisco), IOS Xe (Cisco), Cisco IOS XE Software and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 17, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including IOS 12.4, IOS Xe 3.17.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
21%
Higher than 97.5% 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-2017-6742 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted SNMP packet to the affected device.
The vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow in the affected code area. The vulnerability affects all versions of SNMP (versions 1, 2c, and 3). The attacker must know the SNMP read only community string (SNMP version 2c or earlier) or the user credentials (SNMPv3). An exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the system or to cause a reload of the affected system.
Only traffic directed to the affected system can be used to exploit this vulnerability.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 19, 2023 | May 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 17, 2023 | May 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 19, 2023 | May 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 19, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IOSCisco | See advisory | 12.4 |
| IOS XeCisco | See advisory | 3.17 |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | >= 3.7.0S | n/a |
| Universal Product | >= N/A | n/a |
Patched Releases
IOS
12.4
IOS Xe
3.17
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 17, 2017
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 17, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 19, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 19, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 19, 2023
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
References
- advisorycisco-sa-20170629-snmp
- advisoryhttps://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170629-snmp
- advisory99345
- advisory1038808
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute code.
Affected: IOS (Cisco); IOS Xe (Cisco); Cisco IOS XE Software versions >= 3.7.0S, among others. 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 Apr 17, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Apr 19, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of May 10, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including IOS 12.4, IOS Xe 3.17.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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