CVE-2014-6428 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The dissect_spdu function in epan/dissectors/packet-ses.c in the SES dissector in Wireshark 1.10.x before 1.10.10 and 1.12.x before 1.12.1 does not initialize a certain ID value, 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 • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6428 affects the SES dissector within Wireshark, specifically targeting the dissect_spdu function located in epan/dissectors/packet-ses.c. This issue represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can be exploited to trigger application instability. The affected versions include Wireshark 1.10.x prior to 1.10.10 and 1.12.x prior to 1.12.1, making it a significant concern for network analysts and security professionals who rely on Wireshark for network protocol analysis and troubleshooting.
The technical flaw stems from the dissect_spdu function failing to properly initialize a specific ID value before utilizing it in subsequent processing operations. This uninitialized variable condition creates a scenario where the application attempts to read from memory locations that contain arbitrary data from previous operations or stack contents. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious packet containing specially formatted data that triggers this code path, the uninitialized ID value can contain unpredictable data that leads to unexpected behavior within the dissector logic. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" which is a well-documented weakness that frequently results in application instability and potential exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests as a denial of service condition that can crash the Wireshark application entirely. When an unsuspecting user opens a specially crafted packet capture file containing the malicious SES protocol data, the dissector processes the packet and encounters the uninitialized ID value, causing the application to terminate unexpectedly. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in network security environments where analysts might be analyzing traffic from untrusted sources or where automated packet processing systems could be triggered by malicious inputs. The attack vector requires only that a user open a malicious packet file, making it a low-barrier attack that can be executed remotely through file sharing or automated network analysis systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1489 for "Service Stop" in the context of denial of service attacks, though the specific exploitation method differs as it involves protocol dissector manipulation rather than direct service interruption. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory initialization practices in network protocol analysis tools where input validation and error handling are paramount. Organizations using Wireshark for network monitoring, forensic analysis, and security research should immediately update to patched versions to prevent potential exploitation. The remediation process involves applying the official Wireshark updates that properly initialize the ID variable before use, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted packet data, and establishing robust input validation procedures for packet analysis workflows. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for thorough code review and testing of protocol dissector components, particularly in security tools that process potentially malicious network traffic from diverse sources.