CVE-2017-12237 Cisco IOS and IOS XE 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 and IOS XE 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 and IOS XE Software Internet Key Exchange Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software
- CISA description
- A vulnerability in the Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2) module of Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause high CPU utilization, traceback messages, or a reload of an affected device that leads to 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-2017-12237 ·
Questions about CVE-2017-12237
Is CVE-2017-12237 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2017-12237 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-2017-12237?
Install Cisco's security update for IOS and IOS XE 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-2017-12237?
Only if you use Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.