CVE-2017-13030 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
The PIM parser in tcpdump before 4.9.2 has a buffer over-read in print-pim.c, several functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13030 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) parser implementation of tcpdump software version 4.9.1 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the print-pim.c source file where multiple functions exhibit improper bounds checking during packet parsing operations. The vulnerability arises when tcpdump processes multicast routing protocol packets that follow the PIM protocol specification, creating a scenario where the parser attempts to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries of packet data structures.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate validation of packet header lengths and payload sizes within the PIM packet processing functions. When tcpdump encounters malformed or specially crafted PIM packets, the parser fails to properly verify that data access operations remain within the confines of the actual packet buffer. This condition allows attackers to construct malicious PIM packets that trigger memory over-read conditions, potentially exposing sensitive information from adjacent memory locations or causing application crashes. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, representing both input validation weaknesses and memory safety issues. The flaw operates at the network protocol parsing layer where tcpdump functions as a packet capture and analysis tool, making it particularly dangerous in network monitoring and security analysis environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it creates potential information disclosure risks that could expose sensitive data from memory segments adjacent to the parsed packet structures. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to potentially extract confidential information from memory, including but not limited to authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or system configuration details. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where tcpdump is deployed for network security monitoring, intrusion detection, or forensic analysis, as these systems often process untrusted network traffic. When exploited, the buffer over-read could lead to application instability, resulting in service disruption, or potentially provide attackers with footholds for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard network packet injection techniques, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13030 should prioritize immediate patching of tcpdump installations to version 4.9.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read conditions. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of tcpdump instances to untrusted network traffic. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect and filter malformed multicast traffic provides additional defensive layers. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion prevention systems that can identify and block suspicious PIM packet patterns. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in network protocol parsers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of network monitoring tools and ensure that all network analysis software maintains up-to-date security patches. The incident underscores the necessity of robust memory safety practices in network protocol implementations and the critical role of automated security testing in identifying buffer overflow and over-read conditions in network utilities.