CVE-2013-2479 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The dissect_mpls_echo_tlv_dd_map function in epan/dissectors/packet-mpls-echo.c in the MPLS Echo dissector in Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via invalid Sub-tlv data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2479 resides within the MPLS Echo dissector component of Wireshark, specifically in the dissect_mpls_echo_tlv_dd_map function located in epan/dissectors/packet-mpls-echo.c. This flaw affects Wireshark versions 1.8.x prior to 1.8.6 and represents a critical denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by attackers who craft malicious Sub-tlv data packets. The issue manifests as an infinite loop during packet processing, which can bring the network analysis tool to a complete halt and render it unusable for network troubleshooting and monitoring activities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MPLS Echo protocol dissector implementation. When Wireshark encounters malformed Sub-tlv data structures in MPLS Echo packets, the dissect_mpls_echo_tlv_dd_map function fails to properly handle the invalid data, leading to a condition where the dissector enters an infinite loop during packet analysis. This occurs because the function does not implement proper boundary checks or data validation mechanisms to detect malformed Sub-tlv structures that could cause the parsing logic to continuously iterate without termination. The vulnerability operates at the protocol dissector level, meaning it affects how Wireshark interprets and displays network traffic data rather than the core network capture functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise network monitoring and security operations that depend on Wireshark for packet analysis. Network administrators and security analysts who use Wireshark to diagnose network issues, perform security audits, or monitor network traffic for anomalies could find their analysis tools completely non-functional if they encounter maliciously crafted MPLS Echo packets. This denial of service scenario can occur in environments where Wireshark is used for continuous network monitoring, making it particularly dangerous for security operations centers and network maintenance teams who rely on uninterrupted access to network analysis tools. The vulnerability is especially concerning in automated network monitoring scenarios where packet capture and analysis systems might automatically process large volumes of traffic, potentially leading to complete system outages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2479 primarily focus on immediate version updates and defensive network practices. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Wireshark version 1.8.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through enhanced input validation in the MPLS Echo dissector. Network administrators should also implement defensive measures such as packet filtering rules that can identify and drop suspicious MPLS Echo packets, particularly those with malformed Sub-tlv structures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the exposure of critical monitoring systems to potentially malicious traffic. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.001, focusing on network denial of service attacks that target network infrastructure tools and applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns in packet processing that might indicate exploitation attempts, ensuring that network analysis tools remain available for legitimate security operations and network troubleshooting activities.