Information
SNMP RW (Read-Write) access allows stations with Management access to both read and write SNMP MIB objects.
SNMP is typically used for monitoring specific operational characteristics of the switch. These tasks typically only require read access. Permitting RW (Read-Write) access permits SNMP to modify some SNMP values.
NOTE: Nessus has provided the target output to assist in reviewing the benchmark to ensure target compliance.
Solution
Only use RO groups for SNMPv2. The most common implementation is "network-operator", because if you use the legacy syntax:
switch(config)# snmp-server community <some complex string> ro
the switch will translate this to the new syntax, using "network-operator" group
switch(config)# snmp-server community <some complex string> group network-operator
Impact:
Permitting SNMP RW Access not only allows "write" access to some SNMP MIB Objects, which allows a malicious attacker to modify some operational characterstics of the switch. By extension this access allows a malicious actor to collect the entire configuration of the device.