CVE-2017-6014 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Wireshark versions prior to 2.2.4 can experience an infinite loop and memory depletion when encountering a specially designed or malformed STANAG 4607 capture file. The issue arises when the packet size field in the packet header is empty, preventing the offset from progressing and leading to repeated attempts to read the same packet with zero length. Consequently, this situation rapidly depletes the system's memory.

Understanding CVE-2017-6014

In Wireshark 2.2.4 and earlier, a crafted or malformed STANAG 4607 capture file will cause an infinite loop and memory exhaustion. If the packet size field in a packet header is null, the offset to read from will not advance, causing continuous attempts to read the same zero-length packet. This will quickly exhaust all system memory.

What is CVE-2017-6014?

Vulnerability in Wireshark versions prior to 2.2.4
Allows for an infinite loop and memory depletion
Triggered by encountering a specially designed or malformed STANAG 4607 capture file

The Impact of CVE-2017-6014

Leads to an infinite loop and memory exhaustion
Rapid depletion of system memory

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6014

Wireshark vulnerability details:

Vulnerability Description

Infinite loop and memory depletion
Caused by encountering specific STANAG 4607 capture files

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark versions prior to 2.2.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Packet size field in the packet header is empty
Prevents offset progression, leading to repeated attempts to read the same zero-length packet

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your system from CVE-2017-6014:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Wireshark to version 2.2.4 or later
Avoid opening suspicious or untrusted capture files

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches
Implement network segmentation and access controls

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Wireshark to fix the vulnerability