--- title: "CVE-2017-3881: Improper Input Validation | CubePath" description: "A vulnerability in the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated…" language: en source: https://cubepath.com/security/cve/CVE-2017-3881 --- # CVE-2017-3881: Improper Input Validation | CubePath ## Description A vulnerability in the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a reload of an affected device or remotely execute code with elevated privileges. The Cluster Management Protocol utilizes Telnet internally as a signaling and command protocol between cluster members. The vulnerability is due to the combination of two factors: (1) the failure to restrict the use of CMP-specific Telnet options only to internal, local communications between cluster members and instead accept and process such options over any Telnet connection to an affected device; and (2) the incorrect processing of malformed CMP-specific Telnet options. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malformed CMP-specific Telnet options while establishing a Telnet session with an affected Cisco device configured to accept Telnet connections. An exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain full control of the device or cause a reload of the affected device. This affects Catalyst switches, Embedded Service 2020 switches, Enhanced Layer 2 EtherSwitch Service Module, Enhanced Layer 2/3 EtherSwitch Service Module, Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module (CGESM) for HP, IE Industrial Ethernet switches, ME 4924-10GE switch, RF Gateway 10, and SM-X Layer 2/3 EtherSwitch Service Module. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd48893. Official description from the CVE record, published by cisco. 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-2017-3881) ## Key data ### CVSS 3.1 Critical 9.8 Score published by CISA-ADP in the CVE record. CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H | Metric | Value | What it means | | ---------------------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Attack vector | Network | The vulnerable component can be reached over a network, possibly from the Internet. | | Attack complexity | Low | No special conditions are needed. The attack can be repeated at will. | | Privileges required | None | No account or privileges are needed. | | User interaction | None | No action from any user is needed. | | Scope | Unchanged | The impact stays within the vulnerable component. | | Confidentiality impact | High | Serious or total effect on the secrecy of data. | | Integrity impact | High | Serious or total effect on the trustworthiness of data. | | Availability impact | High | Serious or total effect on availability. | CVSS is owned and managed by FIRST.Org, Inc. (FIRST) and is used by permission. Each CVSS score on this site is shown together with its vector string, as published in the CVE record by the source named next to it. Learn more at [first.org/cvss](https://www.first.org/cvss/) . ### EPSS Exploit Prediction Scoring System by FIRST: an estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days. Score 0.98975 (99.0% probability) Percentile 99.9% Scores of Nov 10, 2026 Model v2026.06.15 ### CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities This CVE is listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Name in the catalog Cisco IOS and IOS XE Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Added to the catalog Mar 25, 2022 Federal due date Apr 15, 2022 ### CISA assessment as of Nov 8, 2024 Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) decision points added by CISA. Exploitation Recorded by CISA as active Automatable yes Technical impact total ### Weakness (CWE) CWE catalog version 5.0. CWE names: Copyright © 2006-2026, The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CWE license. - [CWE-20](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/20.html) Improper Input Validation ## Affected products Products listed in the CVE record, as the CNA published them. - Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software - affected: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software ## References Links listed in the CVE record. They lead to other sites, which CubePath does not control. - [41872](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41872/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [41874](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41874/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [97391](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97391) (securityfocus.com) vdb-entry - [96960](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96960) (securityfocus.com) vdb-entry - [tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdviso…](https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170317-cmp) - [1038059](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038059) (securitytracker.com) vdb-entry ## Timeline 1. ID reserved Dec 21, 2016 2. Record published Mar 17, 2017 3. Added to CISA KEV Mar 25, 2022 4. Record last updated Jan 12, 2026 ## Look up another CVE ## About CubePath CubePath is a cloud provider with data centers in Europe and the United States. It offers VPS, bare metal servers and DDoS protection. [Cloud VPS](https://cubepath.com/vps) [DDoS protection](https://cubepath.com/ddos-protection) 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, 19:30 UTC. [Sources and licenses](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal)