---
title: "CVE-2017-3737: OpenSSL vulnerability | CubePath"
description: "OpenSSL 1.0.2 (starting from version 1.0.2b) introduced an \"error state\" mechanism. The intent was that if a fatal error occurred during a handshake then…"
language: en
source: https://cubepath.com/security/cve/CVE-2017-3737
---

# CVE-2017-3737: OpenSSL vulnerability | CubePath

## Description

OpenSSL 1.0.2 (starting from version 1.0.2b) introduced an "error state" mechanism. The intent was that if a fatal error occurred during a handshake then OpenSSL would move into the error state and would immediately fail if you attempted to continue the handshake. This works as designed for the explicit handshake functions (SSL\_do\_handshake(), SSL\_accept() and SSL\_connect()), however due to a bug it does not work correctly if SSL\_read() or SSL\_write() is called directly. In that scenario, if the handshake fails then a fatal error will be returned in the initial function call. If SSL\_read()/SSL\_write() is subsequently called by the application for the same SSL object then it will succeed and the data is passed without being decrypted/encrypted directly from the SSL/TLS record layer. In order to exploit this issue an application bug would have to be present that resulted in a call to SSL\_read()/SSL\_write() being issued after having already received a fatal error. OpenSSL version 1.0.2b-1.0.2m are affected. Fixed in OpenSSL 1.0.2n. OpenSSL 1.1.0 is not affected.

Official description from the CVE record, published by openssl. Copyright © 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CVE license. [View the record on cve.org](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-3737)

## Key data

### EPSS

Exploit Prediction Scoring System by FIRST: an estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days.

Score

0.78675 (78.7% probability)

Percentile

99.6%

Scores of

Nov 10, 2026

Model

v2026.06.15

## Affected products

Products listed in the CVE record, as the CNA published them.

- OpenSSL

  - affected: 1.0.2b-1.0.2m

## References

Links listed in the CVE record. They lead to other sites, which CubePath does not control.

- [RHSA-2018:2185](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:2185)  (access.redhat.com) vendor-advisory
- [RHSA-2018:2186](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:2186)  (access.redhat.com) vendor-advisory
- [github.com/openssl/openssl/commit/898fb884b706aaeb283de4812…](https://github.com/openssl/openssl/commit/898fb884b706aaeb283de4812340bb0bde8476dc)
- [oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2018-4258247…](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2018-4258247.html)
- [oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2018-3236628…](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujan2018-3236628.html)
- [security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180419-0002](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180419-0002/)
- [FreeBSD-SA-17:12](https://security.FreeBSD.org/advisories/FreeBSD-SA-17:12.openssl.asc)  (security.freebsd.org) vendor-advisory
- [GLSA-201712-03](https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201712-03)  (security.gentoo.org) vendor-advisory
- [1039978](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039978)  (securitytracker.com) vdb-entry
- [openssl.org/news/secadv/20171207.txt](https://www.openssl.org/news/secadv/20171207.txt)
- [digitalmunition.me/2017/12/cve-2017-3737-openssl-security-b…](https://www.digitalmunition.me/2017/12/cve-2017-3737-openssl-security-bypass-vulnerability/)
- [RHSA-2018:0998](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0998)  (access.redhat.com) vendor-advisory
- [oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2018-3678067…](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2018-3678067.html)
- [DSA-4065](https://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-4065)  (debian.org) vendor-advisory
- [cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-179516.pdf](https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-179516.pdf)
- [102103](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/102103)  (securityfocus.com) vdb-entry
- [tenable.com/security/tns-2017-16](https://www.tenable.com/security/tns-2017-16)
- [RHSA-2018:2187](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:2187)  (access.redhat.com) vendor-advisory
- [security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180117-0002](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180117-0002/)
- [security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20171208-0001](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20171208-0001/)
- [oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2019-5072835…](https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2019-5072835.html)

## Timeline

1. ID reserved Dec 16, 2016
2. Record published Dec 7, 2017
3. Record last updated Sep 17, 2024

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Data from the CVE Program (MITRE), CISA KEV and FIRST EPSS. CVSS is owned by FIRST and used by permission. Not affiliated with or endorsed by MITRE, CISA or FIRST. Data as of Nov 10, 2026, 19:58 UTC. [Sources and licenses](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal)