CVE-2013-4929 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The parseFields function in epan/dissectors/packet-dis-pdus.c in the DIS dissector in Wireshark 1.8.x before 1.8.9 and 1.10.x before 1.10.1 does not terminate packet-data processing after finding zero remaining bytes, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (loop) via a crafted packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4929 resides within the DIS dissector component of Wireshark, specifically in the parseFields function located in epan/dissectors/packet-dis-pdus.c. This flaw affects versions 1.8.x prior to 1.8.9 and 1.10.x prior to 1.10.1, representing a critical denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely. The DIS dissector is responsible for parsing Data Interchange Standard packets, which are commonly used in simulation and training environments for exchanging information between distributed simulation systems. When processing malformed packets, the dissector fails to properly handle edge cases where zero remaining bytes are encountered during packet data processing, creating a condition where the parsing loop continues indefinitely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary checking within the parseFields function. When the dissector encounters a packet structure that results in zero remaining bytes during processing, it does not terminate the packet-data processing loop as expected. Instead, the function continues to iterate through the packet data without proper exit conditions, leading to an infinite loop scenario that consumes excessive CPU resources. This behavior manifests as a denial of service condition where the Wireshark application becomes unresponsive and unable to process additional packets. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-835, which addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations, where a loop lacks proper termination conditions under certain input conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited by remote attackers to consume system resources and potentially cause system instability. When an attacker crafts a specially formatted packet that triggers this condition, the Wireshark application enters an infinite loop, effectively rendering the network analysis tool unusable for legitimate network monitoring and troubleshooting activities. This vulnerability particularly affects network security professionals who rely on Wireshark for real-time packet analysis, as it can be exploited in environments where malicious actors might attempt to disrupt network monitoring operations or cause denial of service against network infrastructure. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward, requiring only the ability to send crafted packets to a system running the vulnerable version of Wireshark, making it a significant concern for organizations that depend on network analysis tools for security monitoring and incident response.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4929 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Wireshark where the parseFields function has been corrected to properly handle zero remaining bytes conditions and terminate processing loops appropriately. Network administrators should prioritize updating their Wireshark installations to versions 1.8.9 or 1.10.1 and later, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent the infinite loop condition. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of such attacks by restricting access to systems running Wireshark to trusted networks and users. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in network protocol dissectors, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 which covers network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual CPU utilization patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the infinite loop behavior would typically manifest as sustained high CPU usage on systems running vulnerable versions of the software.