1. Ubuntu Security Notices
  2. USN-3205-1

USN-3205-1: tcpdump vulnerabilities

Publication date

21 February 2017

Overview

tcpdump could be made to crash or run programs if it received specially crafted network traffic.

Releases

Packages

  • tcpdump - command-line network traffic analyzer

Details

It was discovered that tcpdump incorrectly handled certain packets. A
remote attacker could use this issue to cause tcpdump to crash, resulting
in a denial of service, or possibly execute arbitrary code.

In the default installation, attackers would be isolated by the tcpdump
AppArmor profile.

It was discovered that tcpdump incorrectly handled certain packets. A
remote attacker could use this issue to cause tcpdump to crash, resulting
in a denial of service, or possibly execute arbitrary code.

In the default installation, attackers would be isolated by the tcpdump
AppArmor profile.

Update instructions

This update uses a new upstream release, which includes additional bug fixes. In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

Learn more about how to get the fixes.

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu Release Package Version
16.10 yakkety tcpdump –  4.9.0-1ubuntu1~ubuntu16.10.1
16.04 xenial tcpdump –  4.9.0-1ubuntu1~ubuntu16.04.1
14.04 trusty tcpdump –  4.9.0-1ubuntu1~ubuntu14.04.1
12.04 precise tcpdump –  4.9.0-1ubuntu1~ubuntu12.04.1

Reduce your security exposure

Ubuntu Pro provides ten-year security coverage to 25,000+ packages in Main and Universe repositories, and it is free for up to five machines.

Get Ubuntu Pro

References

Have additional questions?

Talk to a member of the team ›