CVE-2017-12237VulnerabilityPublished 03/03/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2017-12237: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software Internet Key Exchange Denial-of-Service Vulnerability

Affects Cisco IOS and IOS XE SoftwareSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/03/2022
KEV deadline: 03/24/2022
EPSS: 7.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 94% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-12237 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2017-12237 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in the Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2) module of Cisco IOS and IOS XE software. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw to cause high CPU utilization, traceback messages, or device reloads, resulting in denial of service. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Summary

This vulnerability affects the IKEv2 module in Cisco IOS and IOS XE software. It allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to trigger conditions that cause excessive CPU usage, traceback errors, or force a device reload, leading to denial of service. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2017-12237 and has been observed in active exploitation scenarios.

Impact

Successful exploitation can cause denial of service by overloading the CPU or forcing the affected device to reload, disrupting network operations. The vulnerability affects Cisco IOS and IOS XE devices running the vulnerable IKEv2 module.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is confirmed, monitor Cisco advisories for updates and consider temporary mitigations if available.

Weaknesses

CWE-399Unclassified weakness (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:27:18 UTC

Weaknesses

References

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