CVE-2018-7333 : Security Advisory and Response

Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.4 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.12 were affected by an infinite loop issue in the epan/dissectors/packet-rpcrdma.c file, which was resolved by implementing a validity check for the chunk size.

Understanding CVE-2018-7333

This CVE entry addresses a specific vulnerability in Wireshark versions that could lead to an infinite loop due to a lack of validation for chunk size.

What is CVE-2018-7333?

The vulnerability in the epan/dissectors/packet-rpcrdma.c file of Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.4 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.12 allowed for an infinite loop, which was mitigated by introducing a check for the chunk size.

The Impact of CVE-2018-7333

The presence of this vulnerability could potentially lead to denial of service or resource exhaustion if exploited by an attacker.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-7333

Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.4 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.12 were affected by an infinite loop vulnerability in the packet-rpcrdma.c file.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stemmed from a lack of validation for the chunk size in the mentioned file, leading to a potential infinite loop.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.4
Wireshark versions 2.2.0 to 2.2.12

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious network packet that triggers the infinite loop, potentially causing denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-7333.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Wireshark to versions beyond 2.4.4 and 2.2.12 that include the fix for the infinite loop issue.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of abnormal behavior that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Wireshark to fix the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.