CVE-2012-4285 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The dissect_pft function in epan/dissectors/packet-dcp-etsi.c in the DCP ETSI dissector in Wireshark 1.4.x before 1.4.15, 1.6.x before 1.6.10, and 1.8.x before 1.8.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and application crash) via a zero-length message.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4285 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Wireshark's DCP ETSI dissector component. This issue affects multiple versions of the popular network protocol analyzer, specifically targeting the dissect_pft function located in epan/dissectors/packet-dcp-etsi.c. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted network packets that contain zero-length messages, creating a scenario where the application encounters a divide-by-zero error during packet analysis. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-369 category of Divide by Zero, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations. The DCP ETSI protocol is used for communication in industrial automation systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology environments where network monitoring is critical for system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the dissect_pft function which processes DCP ETSI packets without proper validation of message length parameters. When a zero-length message is encountered, the dissector attempts to perform mathematical operations that involve division by zero, leading to an immediate application crash. This type of error represents a classic buffer over-read condition combined with improper input validation, where the application fails to handle edge cases in packet data parsing. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and inadequate error handling mechanisms within the packet analysis subsystem. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability requires minimal privileges to exploit as it can be triggered through simple network packet injection, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic analysis is continuously performed.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4285 extends beyond simple application instability, potentially compromising network monitoring capabilities in critical infrastructure environments. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete service disruption for network analysts relying on Wireshark for traffic inspection, leading to gaps in network visibility that could mask malicious activities or legitimate network issues. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized privileges, allowing any remote attacker to trigger the denial of service condition simply by transmitting malformed packets. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it can render network analysis tools unusable for extended periods. Organizations using Wireshark for security monitoring, incident response, or network troubleshooting could experience significant operational disruption when this vulnerability is exploited in their network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4285 focus on immediate version updates and defensive programming improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Wireshark versions 1.4.15, 1.6.10, or 1.8.2, which contain patches specifically addressing the divide-by-zero condition in the dissect_pft function. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic while updates are deployed. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and boundary checking within packet analysis functions can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust error handling in network protocol analysis tools and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for Network Denial of Service, emphasizing the need for defensive measures against application-level denial of service attacks that target core functionality of security tools. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on abnormal packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.