CVE-2017-12231
Published: March 3, 2022
Official 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.
CISA KEV Advisory
Cisco IOS Software Network Address Translation Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
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.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
A vulnerability in Cisco IOS's Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality can be exploited by an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service. Its presence in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.06802 indicate a high likelihood of exploitation, making it an urgent concern.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. It is remotely exploitable.
Cisco IOS users should apply the relevant security updates to address the NAT denial of service vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-12231 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2017-12231 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2017-12231 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1