CVE-2001-1279 in tcpdump
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in print-rx.c of tcpdump 3.x (probably 3.6x) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via AFS RPC packets with invalid lengths that trigger an integer signedness error, a different vulnerability than CVE-2000-1026.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1279 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the tcpdump network analysis tool version 3.x, particularly affecting versions around 3.6x. This flaw exists in the print-rx.c component of tcpdump, which is responsible for processing AFS RPC (Andrew File System Remote Procedure Call) packets. The vulnerability stems from an integer signedness error that occurs when processing malformed AFS RPC packets with invalid length fields, creating a scenario where the software fails to properly validate input data before attempting to allocate memory for packet processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition that arises from improper handling of signed versus unsigned integer values during packet length calculations. When tcpdump receives an AFS RPC packet with an invalid length field, the software's integer signedness error causes it to interpret the packet length incorrectly, leading to insufficient memory allocation for the buffer that will store the packet data. This miscalculation results in a situation where the program attempts to write more data into a buffer than it can accommodate, creating a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to either crash the application or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to network security infrastructure that relies on tcpdump for network monitoring and analysis. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this flaw without requiring local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who depend on tcpdump for security monitoring. The potential for both denial of service and arbitrary code execution creates a dual threat that can compromise network availability and system integrity simultaneously. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also relates to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when buffer boundaries are not properly enforced.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to the execution of malicious code through network-based attacks. Attackers can craft specially malformed AFS RPC packets that trigger the integer signedness error, causing tcpdump to behave unpredictably. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially allow for privilege escalation or complete system compromise, depending on the execution environment and permissions of the tcpdump process. Network security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in network protocol parsers, particularly those handling complex network protocols like AFS RPC.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of tcpdump installations to versions that address the integer signedness error in print-rx.c. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious AFS RPC traffic. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual tcpdump behavior or packet processing anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of regular security updates and the importance of validating network protocol implementations against known attack patterns, particularly in network security tools that process untrusted network traffic.