CVE-2020-7044 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

In Wireshark 3.2.x before 3.2.1, the WASSP dissector could crash due to off-by-one errors.

Understanding CVE-2020-7044

In Wireshark 3.2.x before 3.2.1, a vulnerability existed in the WASSP dissector that could lead to a crash. This CVE entry details the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this issue.

What is CVE-2020-7044?

CVE-2020-7044 is a vulnerability found in Wireshark 3.2.x before version 3.2.1, specifically in the WASSP dissector. The flaw could result in a crash due to off-by-one errors.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7044

The vulnerability could be exploited to crash the Wireshark application, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7044

Wireshark 3.2.x before 3.2.1 was susceptible to crashing due to off-by-one errors in the WASSP dissector.

Vulnerability Description

The issue was addressed in the epan/dissectors/packet-wassp.c file by implementing >= and <= to rectify the off-by-one errors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark 3.2.x versions before 3.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to cause a crash in Wireshark, potentially leading to a DoS situation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Update Wireshark to version 3.2.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Long-Term Security Practices:
Regularly update software to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor security advisories from Wireshark and other software vendors.
Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems to detect and block malicious activities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of software updates.
Backup critical data to prevent data loss in case of successful attacks.
Consider using additional security tools such as firewalls and antivirus software.
Stay informed about cybersecurity trends and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Wireshark is regularly updated to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security.