CVE-2025-11961: pcap_ether_aton() is an auxiliary function in libpcap, it takes a string argument and returns a fixed-size allocated buffer. The string argument must...

Description

pcap_ether_aton() is an auxiliary function in libpcap, it takes a string argument and returns a fixed-size allocated buffer. The string argument must be a well-formed MAC-48 address in one of the supported formats, but this requirement has been poorly documented. If an application calls the function with an argument that deviates from the expected format, the function can read data beyond the end of the provided string and write data beyond the end of the allocated buffer.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

1.9/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.10%

1.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

References

https://github.com/the-tcpdump-group/libpcap/commit/b2d2f9a9a0581c40780bde509f7cc715920f1c02

Timeline

Published: Dec 31, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-11961?

pcap_ether_aton() is an auxiliary function in libpcap, it takes a string argument and returns a fixed-size allocated buffer. The string argument must be a well-formed MAC-48 address in one of the supported formats, but this requirement has been poorly documented. If an application calls the function with an argument that deviates from the expected format, the function can read data beyond the end of the provided string and write data beyond the end of the allocated buffer.

How severe is CVE-2025-11961?

CVE-2025-11961 has a CVSS score of 1.9/10 (LOW severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-11961?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

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