# CVE-2017-6738: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2017-6738-cisco-ios-and-ios-xe-software-snmp-remote-code-execution  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-03-03. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2017-6738 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-03-03

A buffer overflow vulnerability in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software allows an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a device reload. The flaw can be exploited by sending crafted SNMP packets (v1, v2c, or v3) to an affected system, provided the attacker has valid community strings or user credentials.

Technologies: [Cisco IOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ios), [Cisco IOS XE](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ios-xe), [Cisco IOS XE Software](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ios-xe-software), [Cisco IOS XR](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ios-xr). Vendors: [Cisco](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/cisco).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2017-6738 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2017-6738 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 3 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2017-6738?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 3 March 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Cisco IOS 12.0 through 12.4, 15.0 through 15.6; Cisco IOS XE 2.2 through 3.17.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2017-6738?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2017-6738 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2017-6738?** Check whether you run Cisco IOS, Cisco IOS XE, Cisco IOS XE Software or one of the others listed. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Cisco IOS 12.0 through 12.4, 15.0 through 15.6
- Cisco IOS XE 2.2 through 3.17

## Timeline

- 2017-06-29: disclosed: Initial Cisco advisory publication
- 2022-03-03: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog

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