# CVE-2017-5341: tcpdump buffer overflow in OTV parser

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2017-5341-tcpdump-buffer-overflow-in-otv-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-2017-5341 · 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 OTV protocol parser allows an attacker to send specially crafted network packets that can cause the tool to crash or potentially allow the execution of unauthorized code. This could lead to a disruption of network monitoring services or a compromise of the system running the tool.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2017-5341 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2017-5341 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2017-5341?** 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-2017-5341?** A patch was published on 2017-01-29: Debian security update released Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2017-5341 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2017-5341?** 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's Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV) protocol parser. The flaw is located in the otv_print() function in print-otv.c and is triggered when processing malformed OTV packets. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending crafted packets to a network segment where tcpdump is performing live capture or by providing a malicious pcap file for offline analysis. Successful exploitation can result in a denial of service (application crash) or potentially arbitrary code execution. The issue was addressed in version 4.9.0.

## Affected products

- tcpdump tcpdump < 4.9.0

## Timeline

- 2017-01-26: disclosed: Upstream release 4.9.0 announced fixing 41 vulnerabilities
- 2017-01-27: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2017-01-29: patched: Debian security update released

## 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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