CVE-2013-4075 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
epan/dissectors/packet-gmr1_bcch.c in the GMR-1 BCCH dissector in Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.8 does not properly initialize memory, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4075 resides within the GMR-1 BCCH dissector component of Wireshark version 1.8.x prior to 1.8.8. This flaw specifically affects the packet-gmr1_bcch.c file which processes GMR-1 Base Station Control Block Channel packets used in GSM-based telecommunications networks. The issue manifests when Wireshark encounters specially crafted network packets that trigger improper memory initialization during packet analysis, creating a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt the application's normal operation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory initialization practices within the dissector code. When processing GMR-1 BCCH packets, the dissector fails to properly initialize memory regions before using them, leading to undefined behavior that can result in application crashes. This memory handling flaw represents a classic example of uninitialized memory access, which falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and can be classified as a denial of service vulnerability under CWE-134. The improper initialization allows attackers to craft packets that, when processed by Wireshark, cause the application to access memory locations containing garbage data or previously used values, ultimately leading to segmentation faults or other critical application failures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates a remote attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries positioned anywhere on the network. An attacker capable of sending crafted GMR-1 BCCH packets to a system running vulnerable Wireshark versions can trigger a denial of service condition that completely crashes the packet analysis application. This disruption can be particularly severe in network monitoring environments where Wireshark is used for critical infrastructure analysis, as it can prevent legitimate network traffic analysis and monitoring activities. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where network analysts rely on continuous packet capture and analysis, as a successful attack can immediately compromise the availability of network monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Wireshark version 1.8.8 or later, where the memory initialization issues have been properly addressed. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, while monitoring for unusual packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed GMR-1 packets can provide an additional layer of protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the T1499.004 technique of "Endpoint Denial of Service" and represents a software vulnerability exploitation pathway that requires defensive measures at both the application and network levels to prevent successful exploitation attempts.