CVE-2016-2529 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The iseries_check_file_type function in wiretap/iseries.c in the iSeries file parser in Wireshark 2.0.x before 2.0.2 does not consider that a line may lack the "OBJECT PROTOCOL" substring, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2529 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Wireshark's iSeries file parser component. This issue affects versions 2.0.x prior to 2.0.2 and stems from improper handling of file type validation during packet analysis operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the iseries_check_file_type function located in wiretap/iseries.c, which is responsible for parsing iSeries files within the network protocol analysis framework. When processing malformed iSeries files, the function fails to account for the possibility that input lines may not contain the expected "OBJECT PROTOCOL" substring, creating a fundamental parsing gap that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the parser attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw arises from insufficient input validation and lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms within the parsing logic. The absence of proper substring validation means that when the function encounters a line without the "OBJECT PROTOCOL" identifier, it continues processing without appropriate error handling, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index values, and more specifically relates to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs during normal packet processing operations, making it particularly dangerous in network monitoring and security analysis environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2529 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to complete application crashes that compromise network monitoring capabilities. In security analysis contexts where Wireshark serves as a critical tool for network traffic inspection, such a vulnerability creates a significant risk of operational downtime and potential data loss. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this flaw without requiring local system access, making it particularly concerning for network security professionals who rely on Wireshark for real-time monitoring. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the application to crash and restart, potentially leading to loss of ongoing network analysis sessions and creating gaps in security monitoring. This type of attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which covers network denial of service attacks, and demonstrates how parsing vulnerabilities can be leveraged to disrupt critical security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Wireshark 2.0.2 or later, which implements proper input validation and bounds checking for the affected parsing function. Network security teams should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running Wireshark in production monitoring environments where the application processes untrusted network traffic. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual application behavior, and maintaining comprehensive backup procedures for network analysis infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to limit which systems can process potentially malicious network traffic through Wireshark. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation in security-critical applications and highlights the need for thorough testing of parsing logic against edge cases and malformed input conditions.