CVE-2017-6738 Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software: memory-safety flaw

In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on Mar 3, 2022 · 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 SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Product: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software
CISA description: The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to remotely execute code.
Type of flaw: Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
Confirmed exploited: Mar 3, 2022
US federal patch deadline: Mar 24, 2022

NVD record ↗CISA catalog ↗

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Answering about CVE-2017-6738 ·

Questions about CVE-2017-6738

Is CVE-2017-6738 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2017-6738 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-2017-6738?

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-2017-6738?

Only if you use Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.