CVE-2017-8366: The strescape function in ec_strings.c in Ettercap 0.8.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-8366 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting ettercap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The strescape function in ec_strings.c in Ettercap 0.8.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted filter that is mishandled by etterfilter.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.7% (top 23%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2017-04-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ettercap project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-04-30 19:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:26 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ettercap project ettercap DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.8.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.8.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ettercap || rpm -q ettercap || ettercap --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.8.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ettercap sudo apt install ettercap=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.2> sudo apt-mark hold ettercap

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list ettercap sudo dnf downgrade ettercap-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.2> sudo dnf versionlock add ettercap

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2017-8366?

ettercap: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-8366 being exploited?

CVE-2017-8366 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2017-8366 affect?

CVE-2017-8366 affects ettercap. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The strescape function in ec_strings.c in Ettercap 0.8.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted filter that is mishandl

How urgent is CVE-2017-8366?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

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CVE-2017-6430 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE The compile_tree function in ef_compiler.c in the Etterfilter utility in Ettercap 0.8.2 and earlier allows rem
CVE-2014-9381 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Integer signedness error in the dissector_cvs function in dissectors/ec_cvs.c in Ettercap 0.8.1 allows remote
CVE-2014-9380 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The dissector_cvs function in dissectors/ec_cvs.c in Ettercap 0.8.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial
CVE-2014-9379 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE The radius_get_attribute function in dissectors/ec_radius.c in Ettercap 0.8.1 performs an incorrect cast, whic

References

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