Executive brief
tcpdump is a widely used command-line tool for monitoring and analyzing network traffic. A vulnerability in its Q.933 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, potentially compromising the security of the monitoring system.
Technical details
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in tcpdump versions prior to 4.9.0 within the Q.933 (Frame Relay) protocol parser. The flaw is located in the q933_print() function in print-fr.c and is distinct from CVE-2016-8575. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted network packets or providing a malicious pcap file for analysis. 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 is resolved in version 4.9.0.
Affected products
- tcpdump tcpdump before 4.9.0
Timeline
- 2017-01-26: patched: tcpdump 4.9.0 released fixing 41 vulnerabilities
- 2017-01-28: disclosed: NVD publication date