CVE-2012-6052 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive hostname information by reading pcap-ng files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6052 represents a significant information disclosure flaw in Wireshark versions 1.8.x prior to 1.8.4. This vulnerability specifically affects the pcap-ng file format processing capabilities within the network protocol analyzer, creating a potential vector for remote attackers to extract sensitive hostname information from captured network data. The issue arises from insufficient validation and sanitization of hostname data contained within pcap-ng files, which are commonly used for storing network traffic captures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious pcap-ng files that contain specially formatted hostname entries, which when processed by the vulnerable Wireshark versions, inadvertently expose sensitive hostnames to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the way Wireshark handles hostname resolution within pcap-ng file structures. When processing these files, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize hostname data, allowing maliciously crafted entries to bypass normal security controls. This flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack and specifically impacts the dissector functionality responsible for parsing and displaying network protocol information. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation. The flaw exists in the parsing logic that processes hostname information from captured network traffic, where the application does not adequately distinguish between legitimate and malicious hostname entries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as hostname information often serves as critical intelligence for attackers planning further network reconnaissance activities. When attackers can extract hostnames from pcap-ng files, they gain valuable information about network topology, system names, and potentially sensitive infrastructure details that could be used for targeted attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Wireshark is used for network monitoring, forensic analysis, or security auditing, as it could be exploited during routine file processing operations. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the system or network, but can simply distribute malicious pcap-ng files to compromise systems that process them. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1082 "System Information Discovery" and T1566 "Phishing with Malicious Attachments" as it enables attackers to gather system information through malicious file attachments.
Organizations utilizing Wireshark for network analysis should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to version 1.8.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for hostname data in pcap-ng files. System administrators should implement additional security measures such as file access controls, network segmentation, and regular security audits to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all external data inputs and implementing proper security controls during file processing operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious file processing activities, particularly when dealing with network capture files from untrusted sources. The incident underscores the critical need for regular software updates and security patch management programs to address known vulnerabilities in network security tools.