CVE-2015-8726 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
wiretap/vwr.c in the VeriWave file parser in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.9 and 2.0.x before 2.0.1 does not validate certain signature and Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) data, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8726 resides within the VeriWave file parser component of Wireshark, specifically in the wiretap/vwr.c file. This flaw affects versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.9 and 2.0.x prior to 2.0.1, representing a critical security issue that undermines the stability and reliability of network protocol analysis tools. The vulnerability manifests when Wireshark processes specially crafted VeriWave files that contain malformed signature and Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) data, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the VeriWave file parser. When Wireshark encounters a malformed VeriWave file, the parser does not adequately verify the integrity of signature and MCS data fields, allowing attackers to craft malicious files that trigger out-of-bounds memory read operations. This validation failure results in the application attempting to access memory locations outside the intended data boundaries, ultimately leading to application crashes and complete denial of service conditions. The flaw operates at the parsing layer, where the software assumes all input data conforms to expected formats without proper sanitization checks, making it particularly dangerous in network analysis environments where users frequently process untrusted packet captures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8726 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential system compromise in environments where Wireshark is deployed with elevated privileges. Network security analysts and engineers who rely on Wireshark for traffic analysis may inadvertently trigger the vulnerability by opening maliciously crafted VeriWave files, potentially causing their monitoring tools to become unavailable during critical security operations. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that use Wireshark for incident response, network troubleshooting, or security monitoring, as the denial of service condition can disrupt ongoing investigations and compromise the availability of network analysis capabilities. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a predictable crash scenario that remote attackers can leverage to repeatedly disrupt services without requiring complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected Wireshark installations to versions 1.12.9 or 2.0.1 and later, which contain the necessary input validation fixes. Security administrators should also implement strict file validation policies, particularly when processing files from untrusted sources or when using automated analysis workflows. Network security teams can employ additional protective measures such as sandboxing file processing operations and implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious VeriWave file transfers, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other network analysis tools. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, and represents a typical example of how insufficient data validation in parsing components can lead to denial of service conditions. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1489 Network Denial of Service and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to disrupt network monitoring capabilities through crafted file delivery mechanisms.