CVE-2020-26420 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2020-26420, a memory leak vulnerability in Wireshark 3.4.0 and >= 3.2.0 to < 3.2.9, allowing denial of service attacks via packet injection or crafted capture files. Find mitigation steps here.
Wireshark 3.4.0 and versions >= 3.2.0 to < 3.2.9 are affected by a memory leak in the RTPS protocol dissector, leading to denial of service through packet injection or crafted capture files.
Understanding CVE-2020-26420
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Wireshark that could be exploited for denial of service attacks.
What is CVE-2020-26420?
CVE-2020-26420 is a memory leak vulnerability in Wireshark versions 3.4.0 and >= 3.2.0 to < 3.2.9, allowing attackers to disrupt services by injecting malicious packets or using crafted capture files.
The Impact of CVE-2020-26420
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as LOW severity with a CVSS base score of 3.1. Although the availability impact is low, the attack complexity is high, requiring user interaction for exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-26420
Wireshark's vulnerability details and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a memory leak in the RTPS protocol dissector in Wireshark versions 3.4.0 and >= 3.2.0 to < 3.2.9, enabling denial of service attacks through packet injection or crafted capture files.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Wireshark
- Vendor: The Wireshark Foundation
- Affected Versions: 3.4.0, >= 3.2.0 to < 3.2.9
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: High
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: Required
- Scope: Unchanged
- Confidentiality Impact: None
- Integrity Impact: None
- Availability Impact: Low
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2020-26420.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Wireshark to a patched version immediately.
- Avoid opening suspicious capture files or packets.
- Monitor network traffic for any unusual activity.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Wireshark and other software to the latest versions.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
- Educate users on safe network practices and file handling.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Wireshark promptly.
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from trusted sources.