CVE-2017-6739 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco IOS and IOS XE SNMP Subsystem Vulnerabilities

Understanding CVE-2017-6739

Multiple security flaws in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE versions could allow remote code execution or system reload by authenticated attackers.

What is CVE-2017-6739?

The vulnerabilities in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE versions enable remote attackers to execute code or cause system reload by sending specially crafted SNMP packets.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6739

Remote attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities if authenticated, potentially leading to system compromise or disruption.
The vulnerabilities stem from a buffer overflow issue in the SNMP subsystem, affecting all SNMP versions (1, 2c, and 3).

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6739

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE versions allow remote code execution or system reload by sending crafted SNMP packets. Affected Systems and Versions
Products: Cisco IOS and IOS XE
Versions: Cisco IOS 12.0 through 12.4, 15.0 through 15.6, and IOS XE 2.2 through 3.17 Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by sending specially crafted SNMP packets to affected systems using IPv4 or IPv6.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable SNMP if not required or restrict access to trusted sources.
Apply vendor-supplied patches and updates promptly. Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update SNMP configurations and access controls.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Educate users on best practices for SNMP security. Patch and Updates
Refer to Cisco's security advisory for specific patch details and instructions.