CVE-2017-3881VulnerabilityPublished 03/25/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2017-3881: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Affects Cisco IOS and IOS XESource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/25/2022
KEV deadline: 04/15/2022
EPSS: 99.0% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-3881 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2017-3881 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE software affecting the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code. It allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to cause a device reload or execute code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Summary

This vulnerability exists in the CMP processing code of Cisco IOS and IOS XE software. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw to trigger a reload of the affected device or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges remotely. The vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation campaigns.

Impact

Successful exploitation can lead to denial of service through device reload or full remote code execution with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the affected device and network operations.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch links or vendor advisory content are provided, users should monitor Cisco's official security advisories for updates and apply patches or mitigations as soon as they become available.

Weaknesses

CWE-20Improper Input Validation (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 10:56:56 UTC

Weaknesses

References

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