---
id: "CVE-2017-6737"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2017-6737"]
title: "Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability"
severity: "critical"
cvss: 9.0
epss: 0.4524
exploited: true
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: [{"name": "Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software", "fixed": [], "affected": "", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["cisco", "exploited", "infrastructure", "ios", "ios-xe", "network-gear", "snmp"]
not_affected_if: ["non-cisco-devices", "snmp-disabled"]
published_at: "2017-07-17T21:29:00+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T19:11:52+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:35+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "kev", "url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2017-6737", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:11:52+00:00"}, {"source": "epss", "url": "https://api.first.org/data/v1/epss?cve=CVE-2017-6737", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:13:44+00:00"}, {"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-6737", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:35+00:00"}]
---

# Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Cisco IOS and IOS XE contain a flaw in the SNMP subsystem that lets an authenticated remote attacker execute code on the device. CISA lists it as actively exploited in the wild.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- vendor:Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software affected ? fixed ?

## How to check

Run 'show version' on the device to get the IOS or IOS XE release, then compare it against the fixed releases in the Cisco advisory. Check whether SNMP is enabled with 'show running-config | include snmp'.

## Fix

Upgrade IOS or IOS XE to a fixed release per the Cisco security advisory. Restrict SNMP community access and rotate SNMP community strings.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T19:11:52+00:00 kev https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2017-6737
- 2026-10-23T19:13:44+00:00 epss https://api.first.org/data/v1/epss?cve=CVE-2017-6737
- 2026-10-23T21:57:35+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-6737

## From the sources

A vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of the affected system or to remotely execute code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted SNMP packet to the affected device. 



The vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow in the affected code area. The vulnerability affects all versions of SNMP (versions 1, 2c, and 3). The attacker must know the SNMP read only community string (SNMP version 2c or earlier) or the user credentials (SNMPv3). An exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the system or to cause a reload of the affected system.



Only traffic directed to the affected system can be used to exploit this vulnerability.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_