CVE-2011-4102 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the erf_read_header function in wiretap/erf.c in the ERF file parser in Wireshark 1.4.0 through 1.4.9 and 1.6.x before 1.6.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a malformed file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4102 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Wireshark's ERF file parsing functionality. This issue affects multiple versions of the popular network protocol analyzer, specifically targeting the erf_read_header function located in wiretap/erf.c. The flaw manifests when processing ERF (Endace Record Format) files, which are commonly used for capturing and storing network traffic data. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition that results in application crashes, effectively disrupting network analysis operations that depend on Wireshark's packet capture capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the erf_read_header function where the application fails to validate the size of data structures before attempting to copy data into heap-allocated buffers. When a malformed ERF file is processed, the parser attempts to read header information without adequate input validation, leading to memory corruption that overflows the allocated heap space. This heap-based buffer overflow creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, causing unpredictable behavior and ultimately application termination. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.4.0 through 1.4.9 and 1.6.x versions prior to 1.6.3, indicating a significant window of affected releases that would have been widely deployed in network security monitoring environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within network security infrastructures. Network administrators and security analysts who rely on Wireshark for traffic analysis and incident response would face significant operational disruption when encountering maliciously crafted ERF files. The vulnerability could be exploited in scenarios where attackers upload or distribute malformed packet capture files, potentially affecting automated network monitoring systems or forensic analysis workflows. This type of vulnerability particularly threatens environments where Wireshark is used for continuous monitoring or where users may inadvertently open untrusted packet capture files, creating a persistent risk for network security operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4102 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Wireshark, specifically version 1.6.3 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for packet capture files, particularly those received from untrusted sources, and consider deploying automated scanning systems to identify potentially malicious ERF files before processing. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1489 technique for denial of service. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while maintaining regular patch management processes to address similar vulnerabilities in network analysis tools. System administrators should conduct thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fixes do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network monitoring workflows and that all affected systems receive the necessary updates to maintain operational security.