PatchTheCVECVE-2023-7256: In affected libpcap versions during the setup of a remote packet capture the internal function sock_initaddres
CVE-2023-7256 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.4) affecting libpcap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
In affected libpcap versions during the setup of a remote packet capture the internal function sock_initaddress() calls getaddrinfo() and possibly freeaddrinfo(), but does not clearly indicate to the caller function whether freeaddrinfo() still remains to be called after the function returns. This makes it possible in some scenarios that both the function and its caller call freeaddrinfo() for the same allocated memory block. A similar problem
Why this priority
- No elevated risk signals yet
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 4.4 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | High |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.2% (top 84%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-415 |
| Published | 2024-08-31 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2023-7256?
libpcap: upgrade to 1.10.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2023-7256 being exploited?
CVE-2023-7256 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-2023-7256 affect?
CVE-2023-7256 affects libpcap. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.4). In affected libpcap versions during the setup of a remote packet capture the internal function sock_initaddress() calls getaddrinfo() and possibly freeaddrinfo(), but does not clearly indicate to the caller function whether freeaddrinfo() s
How urgent is CVE-2023-7256?
Priority 19/100. No elevated risk signals yet.
Related CVEs
- CVE-2024-8006 MEDIUM 4.4 UPGRADE Remote packet capture support is disabled by default in libpcap