CVE-2017-12332: A vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS System Software patch installation could allow an authenticated, local attacker to write a file to arbitrary locations....

Description

A vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS System Software patch installation could allow an authenticated, local attacker to write a file to arbitrary locations. The vulnerability is due to insufficient restrictions in the patch installation process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted patch image on an affected device. The vulnerable operation occurs prior to patch activation. An exploit could allow the attacker to write arbitrary files on an affected system as root. The attacker would need valid administrator credentials to perform this exploit. This vulnerability affects the following products running Cisco NX-OS System Software: Multilayer Director Switches, Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders, Nexus 5000 Series Switches, Nexus 5500 Platform Switches, Nexus 5600 Platform Switches, Nexus 6000 Series Switches, Nexus 7000 Series Switches, Nexus 7700 Series Switches, Unified Computing System Manager. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf16513, CSCvf23794, CSCvf23832.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.33%

24.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Unified Computing System	7.0\(0\)hsk\(0.357\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	8.1\(0\)bd\(0.20\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	8.1\(1\)

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/102160
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039931Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20171129-nxos1Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/102160
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039931Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20171129-nxos1Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 30, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-12332?

A vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS System Software patch installation could allow an authenticated, local attacker to write a file to arbitrary locations. The vulnerability is due to insufficient restrictions in the patch installation process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing a crafted patch image on an affected device. The vulnerable operation occurs prior to patch activation. An exploit could allow the attacker to write arbitrary files on an affected system as root. The attacker would need valid administrator credentials to perform this exploit. This vulnerability affects the following products running Cisco NX-OS System Software: Multilayer Director Switches, Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders, Nexus 5000 Series Switches, Nexus 5500 Platform Switches, Nexus 5600 Platform Switches, Nexus 6000 Series Switches, Nexus 7000 Series Switches, Nexus 7700 Series Switches, Unified Computing System Manager. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf16513, CSCvf23794, CSCvf23832.

How severe is CVE-2017-12332?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-12332 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.33% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-12332?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.