CVE-2017-13013

The ARP parser in tcpdump before 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read in print-arp.c, several functions

Critical · published September 14, 2017

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
3%
Percentile
84.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🔥 A hidden buffer over-read in tcpdump could let attackers peek into sensitive data without breaking a sweat! Think of it like a waiter who accidentally spills the soup as they try to serve it, revealing the secret recipe to anyone nearby. In this case, tcpdump's ARP parser is letting out information that should've stayed safely tucked away! If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to read potentially sensitive memory data, leading to exposure of confidential information. This breach could not only compromise user data but also put the integrity of the entire network at risk. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a waiter who accidentally spills the soup as they try to serve it, revealing the secret recipe to anyone nearby. In this case, tcpdump's ARP parser is letting out information that should've stayed safely tucked away! This buffer over-read vulnerability in tcpdump's ARP parser occurs due to improper handling of ARP packets in print-arp.c, resulting in memory being accessed that shouldn’t be. The flaw exists prior to version 4.9.2 and can lead to unintended information disclosure.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to read potentially sensitive memory data, leading to exposure of confidential information. This breach could not only compromise user data but also put the integrity of the entire network at risk. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be absolutely devastating! Upgrade tcpdump to version 4.9.2 or later to eliminate this vulnerability. Regularly review your systems to ensure that all components are up-to-date and monitor for any unusual activity that could indicate an exploit attempt. It's essential to keep security practices sharp! You've got this! With these steps, you’ll shore up your defenses and keep that data safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02527 · 84.8th percentile
Published
2017-09-14T06:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 14 SEP 06:00Z
    The ARP parser in tcpdump before 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read in print-arp.c, several functions
    cvelistv5