CVE-2013-3560 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The dissect_dsmcc_un_download function in epan/dissectors/packet-mpeg-dsmcc.c in the MPEG DSM-CC dissector in Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.7 uses an incorrect format string, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a malformed packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3560 resides within the MPEG DSM-CC dissector component of Wireshark, specifically in the dissect_dsmcc_un_download function located at epan/dissectors/packet-mpeg-dsmcc.c. This flaw represents a classic format string vulnerability that affects Wireshark versions 1.8.x prior to 1.8.7, creating a significant security risk for network analysis tools that process multimedia protocol data. The MPEG DSM-CC protocol is used for digital storage media command and control in digital television systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on network monitoring and analysis of broadcast protocols. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the dissector's string formatting operations, which can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of the network analysis tool.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a format string error where the dissector function fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before using it in printf-style formatting operations. When Wireshark processes a malformed DSM-CC packet containing crafted malicious data, the incorrect format string handling causes the application to attempt to read memory locations that are either invalid or inaccessible, leading to a segmentation fault and subsequent application crash. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format specifiers in the format string are derived from untrusted input. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject arbitrary format specifiers into the application's string processing functions, causing unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal network traffic analysis without requiring any special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3560 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can compromise the integrity of network monitoring operations and potentially provide attackers with opportunities to escalate their attacks. Organizations that depend on Wireshark for network troubleshooting, security monitoring, or protocol analysis face significant risks when this vulnerability exists in their environment, as a single malicious packet can bring down critical network analysis infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through network traffic capture, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network monitoring tools are deployed in production networks or security operations centers. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1499.004, which addresses network disruption through service availability attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how protocol analysis tools can become attack vectors themselves when they fail to properly validate input data, creating a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3560 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Wireshark installations to version 1.8.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly handle format string operations. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly around unusual packet patterns that might indicate malicious DSM-CC traffic. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper error handling in network protocol analysis tools, and organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of network monitoring tools and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify similar vulnerabilities in other protocol dissectors. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic filtering rules that can block or quarantine suspicious DSM-CC protocol traffic, particularly in environments where such protocols are not normally used. The fix for this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of running outdated network analysis tools in production environments.