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CVE-2017-3881 is a vulnerability in the Cisco Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE Software. CMP uses Telnet internally as a signaling and command channel between cluster members. The flaw arises from two conditions: affected devices improperly accept CMP-specific Telnet options over any Telnet connection rather than restricting them to internal local cluster communications, and they incorrectly process malformed CMP-specific Telnet options. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit the issue during Telnet session establishment by sending crafted malformed CMP-specific Telnet options to a vulnerable device configured to accept Telnet connections. Successful exploitation can cause a device reload or enable arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges, potentially resulting in full device compromise. The affected products include multiple Cisco switch platforms and EtherSwitch modules, including Catalyst switches and certain industrial and service modules. Cisco bug ID associated with the issue is CSCvd48893.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).
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.
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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.
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Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.