CVE-2016-2527 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
wiretap/nettrace_3gpp_32_423.c in the 3GPP TS 32.423 Trace file parser in Wireshark 2.0.x before 2.0.2 does not ensure that a '\0' character is present at the end of certain strings, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer overflow and application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2527 resides within the 3GPP TS 32.423 Trace file parser component of Wireshark version 2.0.x prior to 2.0.2. This flaw specifically affects the wiretap/nettrace_3gpp_32_423.c module which processes trace files conforming to the 3GPP specification for telecommunications network tracing. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the parser fails to properly validate string termination within specific data structures. The issue manifests when the parser encounters a crafted trace file that lacks the expected null termination character at the end of certain string fields, creating a scenario where memory boundaries are exceeded during processing operations.
This vulnerability operates through a stack-based buffer overflow mechanism that fundamentally violates memory safety principles and constitutes a direct violation of CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw enables remote attackers to construct malicious trace files that, when processed by the vulnerable Wireshark version, trigger application crashes and system instability. The attack vector requires an adversary to prepare a specially crafted 3GPP trace file containing improperly terminated strings, which then gets parsed by Wireshark during normal file analysis operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in input validation and memory management practices within the network protocol analysis tool.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2527 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within network forensic analysis environments. When exploited, the vulnerability causes Wireshark to crash and terminate unexpectedly, disrupting network monitoring and troubleshooting activities that depend on this critical tool. Security analysts and network administrators who rely on Wireshark for incident response and network traffic analysis face significant operational disruption when encountering this vulnerability, particularly in environments where automated analysis of network trace files occurs. The vulnerability affects the availability of essential network analysis capabilities and can compromise security operations that depend on continuous network monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2527 center on immediate software updates to Wireshark version 2.0.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly validate string termination within the 3GPP trace file parser. Network security teams should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of Wireshark across their infrastructure are updated promptly. Additionally, defensive measures including file validation procedures and sandboxed analysis environments can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in network analysis tools, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution and T1489 for denial of service through application crashes. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious trace files while maintaining operational security through proper vulnerability management protocols.