CVE-2016-7927 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
The IEEE 802.11 parser in tcpdump before 4.9.0 has a buffer overflow in print-802_11.c:ieee802_11_radio_print().
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7927 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the IEEE 802.11 packet parsing functionality of tcpdump version 4.9.0 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the print-802_11.c source file where the ieee802_11_radio_print() function processes wireless network frames. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when parsing IEEE 802.11 wireless frames, creating a condition where maliciously crafted packets can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This particular implementation vulnerability demonstrates how wireless protocol parsers in network analysis tools can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malformed input data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when tcpdump processes wireless frames that contain oversized or malformed IEEE 802.11 headers. The ieee802_11_radio_print() function fails to validate the length field of incoming frames before attempting to copy data into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker crafts a packet with an oversized header or malformed field lengths, the parser continues to copy data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure depending on how the corrupted memory is subsequently accessed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in network monitoring environments where tcpdump is frequently used to analyze wireless traffic, as it can be exploited remotely through crafted wireless frames without requiring local access to the system running tcpdump.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7927 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential path to full system compromise when tcpdump is executed with elevated privileges. Network administrators and security professionals who rely on tcpdump for wireless network analysis and troubleshooting become vulnerable to remote exploitation through specially crafted wireless packets. The vulnerability affects systems running tcpdump versions prior to 4.9.0, making it particularly relevant for organizations maintaining older network monitoring infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of tcpdump, potentially gaining unauthorized access to network monitoring equipment, compromising network security analysis capabilities, or using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through network monitoring tools, where compromised monitoring infrastructure becomes a vector for persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7927 primarily involve upgrading to tcpdump version 4.9.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize updating network monitoring tools across all environments where tcpdump is deployed, particularly in wireless network monitoring scenarios. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, using network access controls to restrict wireless frame processing, and monitoring for anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can detect and alert on malformed wireless frames that could be indicators of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation in network protocol parsers and the critical need for regular security updates in network monitoring infrastructure. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of tcpdump and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.