CVE-2015-0261 in tcpdump
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the mobility_opt_print function in the IPv6 mobility printer in tcpdump before 4.7.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a negative length value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0261 represents a critical integer signedness error within the IPv6 mobility printer component of tcpdump version 4.7.2 and earlier. This flaw exists in the mobility_opt_print function which processes mobility options in IPv6 packets, specifically when handling mobility options that contain negative length values. The issue stems from improper validation of integer parameters during packet parsing operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted IPv6 mobility packets can trigger unexpected behavior in the network packet analysis tool.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through a classic signedness error where the tcpdump application fails to properly validate the length field of mobility options in IPv6 packets. When a negative length value is encountered, the application performs an out-of-bounds memory read operation that can lead to memory corruption and subsequent application crash. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, specifically involving signed integer handling errors in network protocol parsing. The flaw occurs because the code assumes all length values will be positive integers, but does not account for negative values that can be legitimately transmitted in certain network protocols or maliciously crafted for exploitation purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0261 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution in vulnerable environments. Attackers can craft malicious IPv6 mobility packets with negative length values that, when processed by an affected tcpdump instance, will trigger memory corruption and application instability. This vulnerability particularly affects network monitoring and security analysis systems that rely on tcpdump for packet capture and analysis, as these systems may be targeted to disrupt network operations or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability has been categorized under the ATT&CK framework as a Denial of Service technique, specifically targeting network infrastructure components through protocol parsing flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0261 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should upgrade to tcpdump version 4.7.2 or later, which includes patches specifically addressing the signedness error in mobility_opt_print function. Additionally, network administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for packet analysis tools, including deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious IPv6 mobility packet patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in network protocol parsers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure tools. Security practitioners should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable tcpdump instances to untrusted network traffic, particularly in environments where continuous packet monitoring is essential for network security operations.