CVE-2013-1579 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The rtps_util_add_bitmap function in epan/dissectors/packet-rtps.c in the RTPS dissector in Wireshark 1.6.x before 1.6.13 and 1.8.x before 1.8.5 does not properly implement certain nested loops for processing bitmap data, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a malformed packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1579 resides within the Real-Time Publish-Subscribe Protocol dissector of Wireshark, specifically in the rtps_util_add_bitmap function located in epan/dissectors/packet-rtps.c. This flaw affects versions 1.6.x prior to 1.6.13 and 1.8.x prior to 1.8.5, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability manifests when Wireshark processes malformed RTPS packets containing specially crafted bitmap data structures that trigger improper loop handling within the dissector code.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate boundary checking and loop termination conditions within the nested loop structures responsible for processing bitmap data in the RTPS protocol. When a malformed packet containing excessive or malformed bitmap entries is processed, the rtps_util_add_bitmap function fails to properly validate loop counters or exit conditions, causing the dissector to enter an infinite loop. This occurs because the function does not adequately verify the size or structure of the bitmap data before attempting to iterate through it, allowing malicious actors to craft packets that cause the dissector to consume excessive CPU resources indefinitely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to perform denial of service attacks against systems running Wireshark. When an affected version processes a maliciously crafted RTPS packet, the infinite loop causes the application to become unresponsive, effectively rendering the network analysis capabilities of Wireshark unavailable until the application is manually terminated or the system is rebooted. This represents a significant threat to network security operations since Wireshark is commonly used for monitoring and analyzing network traffic in security operations centers, forensic investigations, and network troubleshooting scenarios.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation where the dissector fails to implement proper bounds checking on user-supplied data, leading to resource exhaustion. Organizations relying on Wireshark for network monitoring and security analysis face significant operational risks, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication or special privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered simply by opening a maliciously crafted capture file or by capturing and processing a single malicious network packet, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt network security operations.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Wireshark versions 1.6.13 or 1.8.5, which contain the necessary patches to properly handle malformed bitmap data structures. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should maintain updated network security tools and consider alternative network monitoring solutions for environments where the risk of exploitation cannot be adequately mitigated through simple version upgrades.