CVE-2016-4085 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in epan/dissectors/packet-ncp2222.inc in the NCP dissector in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a long string in a packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4085 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within Wireshark's Network Common Protocol version 2222 dissector implementation. This flaw exists in the packet-ncp2222.inc file within the epan/dissectors directory of Wireshark versions 1.12.x prior to 1.12.11. The vulnerability arises when the NCP dissector processes network packets containing excessively long strings, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise system stability and potentially execute arbitrary code. The affected dissector is responsible for analyzing and interpreting network traffic that utilizes the NCP protocol, which is commonly employed in various network communication scenarios.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the dissector's string handling routines. When processing network packets, the dissector fails to adequately check the length of strings before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers, allowing attackers to overflow these buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking enables attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting stack contents including return addresses and local variables. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it can potentially allow for arbitrary code execution when exploited successfully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity risks. Remote attackers can trigger application crashes through carefully crafted malformed packets, leading to service disruption and potential denial of network analysis capabilities for legitimate users. In some scenarios, the buffer overflow may allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques that could result in arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on Wireshark for network monitoring, forensic analysis, and security auditing, as malicious actors could exploit this weakness to disrupt network operations or gain unauthorized access to network traffic analysis systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4085 primarily focus on immediate software updates and operational security measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Wireshark version 1.12.11 or later, which includes patches specifically addressing the buffer overflow condition in the NCP dissector. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, while monitoring for unusual packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include enabling automatic updates for network analysis tools, implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed packets, and conducting regular security assessments of network monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security tools and demonstrates how protocol-specific dissectors can introduce significant risks when not properly validated against malicious inputs.