CVE-2017-3881

9.8 CRITICAL CISA KEV - Actively Exploited
Published: March 17, 2017 Modified: October 22, 2025

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.

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CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96960
Source: psirt@cisco.com
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97391
Source: psirt@cisco.com
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038059
Source: psirt@cisco.com
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41872/
Source: psirt@cisco.com
Exploit Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41874/
Source: psirt@cisco.com
Broken Link
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96960
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97391
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038059
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41872/
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Exploit Third Party Advisory VDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41874/
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Broken Link

13 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
9.8 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
94.0%
100th percentile
Exploitation Status
Actively Exploited
Remediation due: 2022-04-15

Weaknesses (CWE)

Affected Vendors

cisco