CVE-2012-4294 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the channelised_fill_sdh_g707_format function in epan/dissectors/packet-erf.c in the ERF dissector in Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large speed (aka rate) value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4294 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ERF dissector component of Wireshark, specifically in the channelised_fill_sdh_g707_format function located in epan/dissectors/packet-erf.c. This issue affects Wireshark versions 1.8.x prior to 1.8.2, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. The flaw manifests when processing packet data containing a large speed value, which is also known as a rate value, in ERF (Enhanced Recording Format) capture files. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of ERF packet headers, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw operates through the ERF dissector's handling of channelised SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) G707 format data, where the channelised_fill_sdh_g707_format function fails to properly validate the size parameter before using it to determine buffer allocation or copying operations. This allows an attacker to supply an oversized rate value that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter for code execution, as the overflow can potentially be manipulated to inject and execute malicious code within the Wireshark process context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of network analysis tools that rely on Wireshark for packet inspection. When exploited, the vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Wireshark process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on many systems. This creates a potential attack vector where network administrators or security analysts who use Wireshark to analyze network traffic become vulnerable to compromise simply by opening maliciously crafted ERF files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Wireshark is commonly used for network monitoring, forensic analysis, and security auditing, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, network traffic analysis, or automated network scanning tools that might inadvertently process malicious packet captures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4294 primarily focus on immediate version updates to Wireshark 1.8.2 or later, which contain patches specifically addressing the buffer overflow condition in the ERF dissector. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of Wireshark are updated promptly, particularly in environments where network traffic analysis is performed on potentially malicious or untrusted data. Additionally, network security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running Wireshark to untrusted network traffic, while also establishing secure file handling procedures for packet capture files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and bounds checking in network protocol parsing libraries, particularly in security tools that process potentially malicious data from network traffic. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that network analysis tools are running patched versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in protocol dissectors.