CVE-2018-9259 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about the Wireshark vulnerability in versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.13 that could lead to crashes. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.13 were vulnerable to a crash-causing issue in the MP4 dissector. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Understanding CVE-2018-9259
What is CVE-2018-9259?
In Wireshark versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 through 2.2.13, a vulnerability in the MP4 dissector could lead to a crash. The problem was addressed by limiting box recursion depth in the epan/dissectors/file-mp4.c file.
The Impact of CVE-2018-9259
The vulnerability could cause Wireshark to crash, potentially disrupting network analysis and monitoring activities.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-9259
Vulnerability Description
The MP4 dissector in Wireshark versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.13 had a flaw that could trigger a crash.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Wireshark 2.4.0 to 2.4.5
- Wireshark 2.2.0 to 2.2.13
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by crafting a malicious MP4 file to trigger the crash.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Wireshark to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening untrusted MP4 files in Wireshark.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Wireshark and other software to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of any successful exploitation.
Patching and Updates
Apply security updates provided by Wireshark promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.