CVE-2017-12231 Cisco IOS software: software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Mar 24, 2022
What to do
- Install Cisco's security update for IOS software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Cisco IOS Software Network Address Translation Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS software
- CISA description
- A vulnerability in the implementation of Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality in Cisco IOS could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-399)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 3, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Mar 24, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2017-12231 ·
Questions about CVE-2017-12231
Is CVE-2017-12231 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2017-12231 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2017-12231?
Install Cisco's security update for IOS software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2017-12231?
Only if you use Cisco IOS software. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.