CVE-2007-1218 in tcpdump
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one buffer overflow in the parse_elements function in the 802.11 printer code (print-802_11.c) for tcpdump 3.9.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted 802.11 frame. NOTE: this was originally referred to as heap-based, but it might be stack-based.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1218 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the tcpdump network analysis tool version 3.9.5 and earlier. This flaw exists in the 802.11 printer code specifically within the parse_elements function of the print-802_11.c file, making it a targeted issue affecting wireless network packet analysis capabilities. The vulnerability's classification as an off-by-one error indicates a subtle boundary condition where the program fails to properly validate array bounds during processing of wireless frame elements, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the wireless frame parsing logic. When tcpdump processes 802.11 frames, the parse_elements function handles various frame elements that compose the wireless communication packets. The off-by-one error occurs during the iteration or indexing operations where the program calculates the boundaries for processing these elements. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the original classification noted it as heap-based. The ambiguity in classification reflects the complex memory management patterns that can occur in network protocol parsers where both stack and heap memory regions may be affected during processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, though that represents the primary immediate consequence. Remote attackers can exploit this condition by crafting specially malformed 802.11 frames designed to trigger the buffer overflow during packet processing. When such frames are processed by the vulnerable tcpdump instance, the program crashes and terminates, effectively causing a denial of service for the network monitoring system. This creates a significant operational risk for network administrators who rely on tcpdump for wireless network analysis, as an attacker could disrupt monitoring capabilities without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets the wireless protocol parsing functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless network traffic analysis is critical for security monitoring.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance activities that can lead to exploitation of protocol parsing vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires only the ability to inject or capture wireless frames within the network segment being monitored, making it relatively accessible for attackers who have network presence or can perform packet injection attacks. Network defenders should consider implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within protocol parsers, along with regular software updates and patch management processes. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to tcpdump versions beyond 3.9.5 where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of wireless traffic can help detect anomalous frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while implementing proper error handling and crash recovery mechanisms can reduce the impact of successful attacks.