CVE-2017-12985 : What You Need to Know
Discover the buffer over-read vulnerability in the IPv6 parser of tcpdump versions before 4.9.2. Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A buffer over-read vulnerability in the IPv6 parser within tcpdump versions prior to 4.9.2 can lead to security issues.
Understanding CVE-2017-12985
What is CVE-2017-12985?
The vulnerability exists in the ip6_print() function located in print-ip6.c within tcpdump versions before 4.9.2.
The Impact of CVE-2017-12985
The buffer over-read vulnerability in the IPv6 parser of tcpdump can potentially be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service or disclose sensitive information.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-12985
Vulnerability Description
The IPv6 parser in tcpdump before version 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read in print-ip6.c:ip6_print().
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: All versions prior to 4.9.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious IPv6 packets to trigger the buffer over-read in the ip6_print() function.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update tcpdump to version 4.9.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Refer to the official tcpdump website or vendor advisories for patching instructions and updates.