# CVE-2016-7983: tcpdump buffer overflow in BOOTP parser

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2016-7983-tcpdump-buffer-overflow-in-bootp-parser  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2017-01-28. Updated: 2026-05-13  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2016-7983 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2017-01-28

tcpdump is a widely used command-line tool for monitoring and analyzing network traffic. A vulnerability in its BOOTP protocol parser allows an attacker to trigger a buffer overflow by sending specially crafted network packets. This could lead to a complete system crash or allow an attacker to execute unauthorized code on the system running the tool, potentially compromising sensitive network data or the host itself.

Technologies: [Tcpdump](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/tcpdump). Vendors: [Tcpdump](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/tcpdump).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2016-7983 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2016-7983 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2016-7983?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 28 January 2017.

**Which products and versions are affected?** tcpdump tcpdump < 4.9.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2016-7983?** A patch was published on 2017-01-26: tcpdump 4.9.0 released fixing multiple vulnerabilities Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2016-7983 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2016-7983?** Check whether you run Tcpdump. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in tcpdump versions prior to 4.9.0 within the BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) parser. The flaw is located in the bootp_print() function in print-bootp.c and is triggered when the application processes malformed BOOTP packets. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted packets to a network segment where tcpdump is performing live capture, or by tricking a user into opening a malicious pcap file. Successful exploitation can result in a denial of service (application crash) or potentially arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the tcpdump process. The issue was addressed in version 4.9.0.

## Affected products

- tcpdump tcpdump < 4.9.0

## Timeline

- 2017-01-26: patched: tcpdump 4.9.0 released fixing multiple vulnerabilities
- 2017-01-27: advisory: NVD published CVE-2016-7983

## References

- [http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3775](http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3775)
- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95852](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95852)
- [http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037755](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037755)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:1871](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:1871)
- [https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201702-30](https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201702-30)
- [https://www.mail-archive.com/debian-bugs-dist%40lists.debian.org/msg1494526.html](https://www.mail-archive.com/debian-bugs-dist%40lists.debian.org/msg1494526.html)

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