CVE-2014-8712 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The build_expert_data function in epan/dissectors/packet-ncp2222.inc in the NCP dissector in Wireshark 1.10.x before 1.10.11 and 1.12.x before 1.12.2 does not properly initialize a data structure, 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 • 02/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8712 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Wireshark's network protocol analysis capabilities. This issue specifically affects the NCP dissector component that processes Network Control Protocol packets, which are essential for analyzing various network communications. The vulnerability stems from improper initialization of a data structure within the build_expert_data function, a critical component responsible for handling expert information during packet dissection processes. The flaw exists in Wireshark versions 1.10.x prior to 1.10.11 and 1.12.x prior to 1.12.2, making a substantial portion of the user base susceptible to this attack vector.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development. When remote attackers craft malicious packets containing specific malformed data structures, the build_expert_data function fails to properly initialize memory regions before processing. This uninitialized memory access leads to unpredictable behavior within the application, ultimately resulting in a complete application crash. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor initialization issues in protocol dissectors can have severe operational consequences, as network analysis tools like Wireshark are often critical components in network monitoring and troubleshooting environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8712 extends beyond simple application instability, as it can disrupt network analysis operations in production environments. Network administrators and security analysts who rely on Wireshark for traffic inspection and forensic analysis face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can trigger the denial of service condition without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Wireshark might be deployed for continuous monitoring. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which covers network disruption through denial of service attacks, potentially compromising the availability of network analysis capabilities that organizations depend upon for security operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected Wireshark installations to versions 1.10.11 or 1.12.2, which contain the necessary code fixes to properly initialize the affected data structures. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Wireshark developers addresses the root cause by ensuring proper initialization of memory structures before any processing occurs, preventing the uninitialized variable access that led to the application crash. Additionally, organizations should maintain updated network security monitoring tools and consider implementing network access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic that could exploit this vulnerability.