CVE-2017-12901 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-12901 was published on September 14, 2017, and relates to a vulnerability in the EIGRP parser in tcpdump before version 4.9.2. The issue involves a buffer over-read in the eigrp_print() function.

Understanding CVE-2017-12901

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the EIGRP parser of tcpdump, impacting versions prior to 4.9.2.

What is CVE-2017-12901?

The vulnerability in CVE-2017-12901 is characterized by a buffer over-read in the eigrp_print() function within the print-eigrp.c file of tcpdump.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12901

The vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to exploit the buffer over-read issue, leading to security breaches, data leaks, or denial of service attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12901

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The EIGRP parser in tcpdump before version 4.9.2 suffers from a buffer over-read in the eigrp_print() function located in the print-eigrp.c file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 4.9.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to trigger the buffer over-read in the eigrp_print() function, potentially leading to unauthorized access or service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-12901 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update tcpdump to version 4.9.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by tcpdump.
Apply security updates promptly to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.