Description
ifconfig, when used on the Linux kernel 2.2 and later, does not report when the network interface is in promiscuous mode if it was put in promiscuous mode using PACKET_MR_PROMISC, which could allow attackers to sniff the network without detection, as demonstrated using libpcap.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | net-tools | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 13 | net-tools | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 12 | net-tools | No fix yet | — |
References
- 20020724 Interface promiscuity obscurity in Linux mailing-list
- 20020724 Re: Interface promiscuity obscurity in Linux mailing-list
- 5304 vdb-entry
- 20020725 Re: Interface promiscuity obscurity in Linux mailing-list
- linux-ifconfig-promiscuous-mode(9676) vdb-entry