CVE-2017-12301

What it is

A vulnerability in the Python scripting subsystem of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to escape the Python parser and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system of the device. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are passed to certain Python functions within the scripting sandbox of the affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to escape the scripting sandbox and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the authenticated user. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have local access and be authenticated to the targeted device with administrative or Python execution privileges. These requirements could limit the possibility of a successful exploit. This vulnerability affects the following Cisco products if they are running Cisco NX-OS Software: Multilayer Director Switches, Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders, Nexus 3000 Series Switches, Nexus 3500 Platform Switches, Nexus 5000 Series Switches, Nexus 5500 Platform Switches, Nexus 5600 Platform Switches, Nexus 6000 Series Switches, Nexus 7000 Series Switches, Nexus 7700 Series Switches, Nexus 9000 Series Switches - Standalone, NX-OS mode, Nexus 9500 R-Series Line Cards and Fabric Modules. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvb86832, CSCvd86474, CSCvd86479, CSCvd86484, CSCvd86490, CSCve97102, CSCvf12757, CSCvf12804, CSCvf12815, CSCvf15198.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2017-10-19 08:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2017-10-19 08:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:03 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco nx-os 7.0\(3\)i4\(6\)
• Cisco nx-os 8.1\(0\)bd\(0.20\)
• Cisco nx-os 7.3\(2\)d1\(0.21\)
• Cisco nx-os 8.0\(0.74\)
• Cisco nx-os 8.0\(1\)
• Cisco nx-os 8.1\(0.70\)s0
• Cisco nx-os 6.0\(2\)a8\(3\)
• Cisco nx-os 6.0\(2\)a8\(6.213\)

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2017-12301.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2017-12301. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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