PatchTheCVECVE-2017-7397: BackBox Linux 4.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (ksoftirqd CPU consumption) via a flood
CVE-2017-7397 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting backbox linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
BackBox Linux 4.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (ksoftirqd CPU consumption) via a flood of packets with Martian source IP addresses (as defined in RFC 1812 section 5.3.7). This product enables net.ipv4.conf.all.log_martians by default. NOTE: the vendor reports "It has been proved that this vulnerability has no foundation and it is totally fake and based on false assumptions.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.5 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 11.1% (top 4%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-400 |
| Published | 2017-04-03 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Exploit-DB: BackBox OS - Denial of Service
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2017-7397?
backbox linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2017-7397 being exploited?
CVE-2017-7397 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2017-7397 affect?
CVE-2017-7397 affects backbox linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). BackBox Linux 4.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (ksoftirqd CPU consumption) via a flood of packets with Martian source IP addresses (as defined in RFC 1812 section 5.3.7). This product enables net.ipv4.conf.all.log_ma
How urgent is CVE-2017-7397?
Priority 65/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist