CVE-2015-3906 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The logcat_dump_text function in wiretap/logcat.c in the Android Logcat file parser in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.5 does not properly handle a lack of \0 termination, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted message in a packet, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3815.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3906 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within Wireshark's Android Logcat file parser component. This issue specifically affects Wireshark versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.5 and stems from improper handling of logcat data structures during packet analysis. The vulnerability manifests when the logcat_dump_text function in wiretap/logcat.c encounters Android logcat messages that lack proper null termination, creating a scenario where the application attempts to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This particular flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign parsing operations can escalate into serious security concerns when input validation is insufficient.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of packet data containing Android logcat messages that are processed by Wireshark's wiretap component. When Wireshark encounters a crafted packet with improperly terminated logcat text, the logcat_dump_text function fails to properly validate the string boundaries before attempting to read the data. This leads to an out-of-bounds memory read operation that can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably. The flaw operates at the parsing layer where Wireshark processes network traffic to extract meaningful information, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by opening a maliciously crafted packet capture file or analyzing network traffic containing such malformed data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a reliable denial of service condition that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The crash occurs during normal packet analysis operations, making it particularly concerning for network security professionals who rely on Wireshark for network forensics and troubleshooting. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that an attacker could potentially deliver a malicious packet capture file or manipulate network traffic to trigger the crash, effectively preventing legitimate network analysis activities. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the availability of network monitoring tools and can be used to disrupt network security operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index values, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to memory corruption issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique related to command and scripting interpreter execution, as the flaw enables an attacker to cause application instability through crafted input. The flaw also relates to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, as the vulnerability can be used to disrupt network analysis operations. Mitigation strategies should include immediate upgrading to Wireshark 1.12.5 or later versions, implementing proper input validation for logcat data, and establishing network monitoring procedures to detect and prevent the delivery of malicious packet captures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious network traffic that could trigger this vulnerability during routine network analysis activities.