Vulnerability identifier: #VU21995

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 6.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-14879

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Tcpdump
Server applications / DLP, anti-spam, sniffers

Vendor: Tcpdump.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the tcpdump.c:get_next_file() function in the command-line argument parser. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into opening it with the affected software, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Tcpdump: 4.9.0 - 4.9.2

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External links
http://github.com/the-tcpdump-group/tcpdump/blob/tcpdump-4.9/CHANGES
http://github.com/the-tcpdump-group/tcpdump/commit/9ba91381954ad325ea4fd26b9c65a8bd9a2a85b6
http://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/10/msg00015.html

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.