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CVE-2017-3881 is an input-validation vulnerability in Cisco Cluster Management Protocol processing in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software. CMP uses Telnet internally for signaling and commands between cluster members, but affected devices accept CMP-specific Telnet options over arbitrary Telnet connections rather than limiting them to internal cluster communications. Malformed CMP-specific Telnet options are processed incorrectly. An unauthenticated remote attacker can send these options while establishing a Telnet session to an affected device configured to accept Telnet connections, causing a device reload or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
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2 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).
This repository contains a single Metasploit auxiliary module (modules/auxiliary/dos/cisco/ios_telnet_rocem.rb) designed to exploit a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability in the Telnet service of Cisco IOS devices, specifically tested on Catalyst 2960 and 3750 switches. The module connects to the target device's Telnet service (TCP port 23), reads the initial packet, and then sends a specially crafted Telnet packet that triggers the DoS condition. The exploit targets CVE-2017-3881 and is referenced in several security advisories. The code is written in Ruby and leverages Metasploit's auxiliary and remote TCP modules. No detection or post-exploitation features are present; the sole purpose is to crash or disrupt the Telnet service on vulnerable Cisco devices.
This repository provides proof-of-concept exploit code for CVE-2017-3881, a critical vulnerability in Cisco IOS devices (notably the Catalyst 2960 series). The repository contains two Python scripts, each targeting a specific firmware version (12.2(55)SE1 and 12.2(55)SE11) of the Catalyst 2960. These scripts exploit the Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) over Telnet (TCP port 23) to set or unset unauthenticated privilege level 15 (admin) access, effectively granting full control to an attacker without credentials. The payloads are custom-crafted Telnet packets that leverage ROP gadgets in the device firmware. Additionally, the repository includes a Metasploit auxiliary module (Ruby) that performs a denial-of-service attack against the Telnet service of vulnerable Cisco switches by sending a large, malformed CMP payload. The README provides usage instructions, references, and context. The main attack vector is network-based, requiring access to the Telnet service on the target device. No hardcoded IPs or domains are present; the target is specified at runtime.
Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.
Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
6 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A known Cisco Telnet-related vulnerability referenced as the basis for a modified exploit attempt to enable memory access in the described operation.
A Cisco Telnet-related vulnerability referenced as being leveraged in modified form to enable memory read/write access on targeted devices.
A Cisco Telnet-related vulnerability referenced as the basis for a modified exploit used in the campaign to enable arbitrary memory access on targeted devices.
A Cisco switch remote code execution vulnerability (as described in the content) leveraged by the Sea Turtle actor for compromise and/or lateral movement.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.