CVE-2017-11108 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2017-11108, a vulnerability in tcpdump version 4.9.0 that allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service by exploiting a heap-based buffer over-read. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
CVE-2017-11108 was published on July 8, 2017, and affects tcpdump version 4.9.0. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service by exploiting a heap-based buffer over-read.
Understanding CVE-2017-11108
This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in tcpdump version 4.9.0 that can be exploited remotely to trigger a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2017-11108?
CVE-2017-11108 is a vulnerability in tcpdump 4.9.0 that enables attackers to crash the application by sending specially-crafted packet data. The issue arises from a heap-based buffer over-read in the EXTRACT_16BITS function called by the stp_print function for the Spanning Tree Protocol.
The Impact of CVE-2017-11108
The vulnerability in tcpdump version 4.9.0 can lead to a denial of service, causing the application to crash when processing malicious packet data.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-11108
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in tcpdump 4.9.0 results from a heap-based buffer over-read triggered by specially-crafted packet data, leading to a crash in the application.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Version: 4.9.0
- Systems running tcpdump 4.9.0 are vulnerable to this exploit.
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted packet data to trigger the heap-based buffer over-read, causing the application to crash.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-11108 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update tcpdump to a patched version to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement network-level protections to filter out malicious packets.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from tcpdump and related vendors.
- Apply patches and updates as soon as they are available to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.