HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2017-6740
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2017-6740

Published: March 3, 2022

EPSS:24.27%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:96.0th

Official 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 on an affected system or cause an affected system to reload.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

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 on an affected system or cause an affected system to reload.

Added to KEV: 2022-03-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-03-24
Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

A vulnerability in the SNMP subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute code or cause a system reload. The high EPSS score and confirmed exploitation by CISA indicate this is a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention. This flaw is rated as HIGH severity.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. As it affects the SNMP subsystem, it is remotely exploitable by an authenticated attacker.

Recommended Action

Cisco IOS and IOS XE users should apply available patches to address this SNMP vulnerability. Implement strong access controls and monitor SNMP traffic for suspicious activity.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2017-6740 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-2017-6740 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

Mentioned vendors (from description):
Cisco
CPE data not yet available in NVD for this CVE.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
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All References (1)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2017-6740
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)24.27%
PublishedMar 3, 2022

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2017-6740 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
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.