CVE-2017-13044 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue of buffer over-read was discovered in the tcpdump HNCP parser version prior to 4.9.2. This vulnerability affects the print-hncp.c:dhcpv4_print() function.

Understanding CVE-2017-13044

The HNCP parser in tcpdump before version 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read vulnerability in the print-hncp.c:dhcpv4_print() function.

What is CVE-2017-13044?

The vulnerability involves a buffer over-read in the tcpdump HNCP parser, specifically impacting the dhcpv4_print() function.

The Impact of CVE-2017-13044

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to read beyond the allocated memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or a denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-13044

The technical details of the CVE-2017-13044 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The HNCP parser in tcpdump before version 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read in the print-hncp.c:dhcpv4_print() function.

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 a malicious network packet that triggers the buffer over-read in the dhcpv4_print() function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the CVE-2017-13044 vulnerability, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update tcpdump to version 4.9.2 or later to eliminate the buffer over-read issue.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by tcpdump promptly to address the vulnerability.