CVE-2009-1210 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the PROFINET/DCP (PN-DCP) dissector in Wireshark 1.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PN-DCP packet with format string specifiers in the station name. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The CVE-2009-1210 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw within Wireshark's PROFINET/DCP dissector component, affecting versions 1.0.6 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the protocol dissector responsible for analyzing PROFINET Device Configuration Protocol packets, which are fundamental to industrial network communications in automation environments. The issue arises when Wireshark processes malformed PN-DCP packets containing format string specifiers within the station name field, creating a potential remote code execution vector that could compromise network monitoring systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the dissector's string handling functions. When Wireshark encounters a PN-DCP packet with format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x embedded within the station name field, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before passing it to vulnerable printf-style functions. This lack of proper input sanitization creates a classic format string vulnerability that can be leveraged by remote attackers to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where user-supplied data is used as format strings without proper validation or sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial network security monitoring systems that rely on Wireshark for protocol analysis. Attackers could remotely craft malicious PN-DCP packets and inject them into network traffic, potentially compromising the integrity of network monitoring infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on the monitoring system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where network monitoring tools are critical for operational technology security, as it could be exploited to disrupt critical infrastructure operations.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires an attacker to have network access to the target system running the vulnerable Wireshark version. The attacker must be able to inject or intercept PN-DCP packets containing malicious format specifiers, which can be achieved through various network-based attack techniques including man-in-the-middle attacks or network packet injection. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the T1059.007 technique, which involves the use of remote code execution capabilities. Organizations using Wireshark for network monitoring in industrial environments should consider this vulnerability as a potential attack surface that could be exploited to compromise their security monitoring infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1210 primarily involve upgrading to Wireshark versions 1.0.7 or later, where the format string vulnerability has been properly addressed through input validation and sanitization measures. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, while also considering the deployment of network intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed PN-DCP packets. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their network monitoring infrastructure and ensure that all network analysis tools are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in protocol dissectors and the critical need for regular security updates in network monitoring tools used in industrial environments.