CVE-2012-4297 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the dissect_gsm_rlcmac_downlink function in epan/dissectors/packet-gsm_rlcmac.c in the GSM RLC MAC dissector in Wireshark 1.6.x before 1.6.10 and 1.8.x before 1.8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4297 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GSM RLC MAC dissector component of Wireshark, a widely used network protocol analyzer. This security weakness resides in the dissect_gsm_rlcmac_downlink function located in the epan/dissectors/packet-gsm_rlcmac.c source file, affecting versions 1.6.x prior to 1.6.10 and 1.8.x prior to 1.8.2. The flaw specifically targets the processing of GSM Radio Link Control/MAC protocol packets, which are fundamental to cellular network communications and are commonly analyzed by network security professionals and forensic investigators using Wireshark. The buffer overflow vulnerability occurs when the dissector processes malformed GSM RLC MAC downlink packets, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by remote adversaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the dissect_gsm_rlcmac_downlink function, which fails to properly bounds-check data received during packet parsing operations. When Wireshark encounters a malformed GSM RLC MAC packet, the dissector attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution when the application attempts to process the malformed packet, as the overflow can overwrite critical program execution elements such as return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which classifies heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory safety issues in network protocol analysis tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4297 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, presenting a significant risk to network security operations and forensic analysis activities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to remotely compromise systems running vulnerable versions of Wireshark, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive network data or using the compromised tool as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The implications are particularly severe for network security professionals who rely on Wireshark for incident response, network troubleshooting, and security monitoring, as an attacker could exploit this vulnerability during routine packet analysis sessions. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through the manipulation of network protocol analysis tools, and represents a significant threat to the integrity of network forensic operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4297 require immediate implementation of version updates to Wireshark 1.6.10 or 1.8.2, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Network security teams should prioritize patching all systems running vulnerable Wireshark versions, particularly those used in security monitoring, incident response, and network forensics operations. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious packets, while establishing monitoring procedures to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date network analysis tools and highlights the need for regular security assessments of essential network infrastructure components. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed GSM RLC MAC packets, providing an additional layer of protection against this specific threat vector.