CVE-2015-2192 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the dissect_osd2_cdb_continuation function in epan/dissectors/packet-scsi-osd.c in the SCSI OSD dissector in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a crafted length field in a packet.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-2192 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the SCSI OSD dissector component of Wireshark, specifically affecting versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.4. This issue resides in the dissect_osd2_cdb_continuation function located in epan/dissectors/packet-scsi-osd.c, which is responsible for parsing SCSI OSD (Open Storage Device) protocol packets. The flaw occurs when processing length fields within SCSI OSD packets, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate packet data to trigger unexpected behavior in the packet analysis engine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during packet dissection operations. When the dissect_osd2_cdb_continuation function processes a crafted length field, it fails to properly validate or constrain the integer values, allowing for overflow conditions that can result in control flow disruption. The integer overflow specifically manifests when the length field in the packet data exceeds the maximum value that can be represented by the integer type used in the function, causing the loop condition to become perpetual and resulting in an infinite loop scenario. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it enables remote attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. An attacker can craft a malicious packet with a specially manipulated length field that, when processed by Wireshark, causes the application to enter an infinite loop, consuming system resources and effectively rendering the packet analysis functionality unusable. This denial of service condition affects any system running the vulnerable version of Wireshark where the affected dissector is active, potentially impacting network monitoring, forensic analysis, and security auditing operations that rely on proper packet analysis capabilities.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which covers network denial of service attacks through manipulation of network traffic. Organizations using Wireshark for network traffic analysis and security monitoring face significant risk from this flaw, as it can be exploited to disrupt critical network analysis operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Wireshark is used for real-time network monitoring, security incident response, or forensic investigations, as the infinite loop condition can cause complete service unavailability. Mitigation strategies should include immediate upgrade to Wireshark version 1.12.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition in the SCSI OSD dissector.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and proper integer handling in network protocol analysis tools, where the processing of malformed data can lead to critical system instability. The flaw represents a fundamental security weakness in the dissector implementation that could potentially be extended to other similar protocol parsers within Wireshark, highlighting the need for comprehensive security reviews of protocol handling components. Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing the security posture of network monitoring infrastructure, particularly in environments where packet analysis tools are critical for security operations and where the risk of remote exploitation cannot be tolerated.