CVE-2019-15166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

TCPDump version prior to 4.9.3 is affected by a vulnerability in the function lmp_print_data_link_subobjs() that lacks necessary bounds checks.

Understanding CVE-2019-15166

This CVE involves a lack of bounds checks in a specific function within TCPDump, potentially leading to security issues.

What is CVE-2019-15166?

The vulnerability in the function lmp_print_data_link_subobjs() in TCPDump version prior to 4.9.3 arises from the absence of essential bounds checks, which could be exploited by attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15166

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low severity, with a CVSS base score of 1.6. The attack complexity is high, but the availability impact is low, affecting physical systems with high privileges required.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15166

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The function lmp_print_data_link_subobjs() in print-lmp.c in TCPDump before version 4.9.3 lacks certain bounds checks, opening up the possibility of exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions prior to 4.9.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to potentially execute arbitrary code or disrupt the normal operation of affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-15166.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update TCPDump to version 4.9.3 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor security advisories for any related updates or patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and systems to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and system security is maintained.