CVE-2016-2532 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The dissect_llrp_parameters function in epan/dissectors/packet-llrp.c in the LLRP dissector in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.10 and 2.0.x before 2.0.2 does not limit the recursion depth, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption or application crash) via a crafted packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2532 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the LLRP dissector component of Wireshark, a widely-used network protocol analyzer. This issue affects versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.10 and 2.0.x prior to 2.0.2, exposing users to potential system instability and resource exhaustion attacks. The flaw resides in the dissect_llrp_parameters function located in epan/dissectors/packet-llrp.c, which processes Low Level Radio Protocol packets commonly used in RFID applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the dissector fails to implement proper recursion depth limiting mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through crafted malicious packets.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of recursion depth controls within the LLRP dissector's parameter parsing logic. When Wireshark processes a specially crafted LLRP packet containing deeply nested or circular parameter structures, the dissect_llrp_parameters function enters an unbounded recursive loop. This recursive behavior causes the application to consume excessive memory resources and eventually leads to application crashes or complete system hangs. The flaw operates at the protocol dissection layer, meaning it affects how Wireshark interprets and displays network traffic rather than the network capture functionality itself. This type of vulnerability is classified as a stack overflow or infinite recursion condition, which directly maps to CWE-674 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through network traffic analysis, making it a significant concern for network security professionals who rely on Wireshark for network monitoring and forensic analysis.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2532 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader network security implications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious LLRP packets to a target system running affected Wireshark versions, causing the application to consume all available memory or crash entirely. This denial of service condition effectively prevents legitimate network analysis activities and can be particularly damaging in security operations centers where continuous network monitoring is essential. The vulnerability affects both the 1.12.x and 2.0.x release branches of Wireshark, indicating a widespread impact across multiple version lines. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks targeting applications and services. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it accessible to threat actors with basic knowledge of network protocols and packet crafting tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2532 primarily focus on immediate version updates and network segmentation approaches. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Wireshark versions 1.12.10 or 2.0.2, which contain the necessary code modifications to limit recursion depth in the LLRP dissector. Network administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those used for security monitoring or forensic analysis where the risk of exploitation is highest. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help reduce exposure by limiting the network paths through which malicious LLRP traffic can reach vulnerable Wireshark installations. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious LLRP packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and recursion control in network protocol analysis tools, reinforcing the need for robust security practices in network security software development and maintenance.