CVE-2014-6425 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) get_quoted_string and (2) get_unquoted_string functions in epan/dissectors/packet-cups.c in the CUPS dissector in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read and application crash) via a CUPS packet that lacks a trailing '\0' character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6425 affects the CUPS dissector component within Wireshark, specifically targeting versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.1. This issue resides in the epan/dissectors/packet-cups.c file where two critical functions namely get_quoted_string and get_unquoted_string fail to properly validate input data. The flaw manifests when processing CUPS packets that are missing the required trailing null character, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted network traffic can trigger unexpected behavior in the network protocol analyzer. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs during protocol parsing operations, making it particularly dangerous in network monitoring and forensic analysis environments where Wireshark is commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the string parsing functions. When these functions encounter a CUPS packet lacking the expected trailing null terminator character, they continue reading memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This over-read behavior results in accessing unauthorized memory locations and can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably. The flaw operates at the protocol dissector level, meaning it affects how Wireshark interprets and displays CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) traffic, which is commonly used in networked printing environments. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios. The issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, where adversaries may exploit input validation weaknesses in network analysis tools to disrupt operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise the availability of network monitoring systems. When an unsuspecting security analyst or network administrator opens a maliciously crafted capture file containing the malformed CUPS packet, the Wireshark application will crash, potentially interrupting critical network analysis activities. This disruption can be particularly problematic in security operations centers where continuous network monitoring is essential for threat detection and incident response. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on Wireshark for network traffic analysis. The flaw's potential to cause application instability can also lead to data loss or corruption in ongoing network analysis sessions, further amplifying the operational risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6425 primarily focus on immediate software updates and operational precautions. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Wireshark version 1.12.1 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the buffer over-read conditions in the CUPS dissector. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, particularly in environments where untrusted network data is processed. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network traffic filtering rules that can identify and block suspicious CUPS packet patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in protocol dissectors, emphasizing that all network analysis tools must properly handle malformed data to prevent exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates should be part of the operational security posture to protect against similar issues in other dissector components. Organizations may also benefit from implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect application crashes or unexpected behavior in network analysis tools, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.