CVE-2023-1992 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE entry pertains to a vulnerability identified as "RPCoRDMA dissector crash in Wireshark" affecting versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.4 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.12, allowing for denial of service through packet injection or crafted capture file.

Understanding CVE-2023-1992

The vulnerability in question involves a specific crash scenario within the RPCoRDMA dissector in Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.4 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.12, which can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack by injecting malicious packets or utilizing a specially crafted capture file.

What is CVE-2023-1992?

CVE-2023-1992 is a buffer over-read vulnerability present in the Wireshark network protocol analyzer software, specifically within the RPCoRDMA dissector functionality. This flaw allows an attacker to disrupt the normal operation of the software by sending manipulated network traffic or files.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1992

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as causing a denial of service, where an attacker can exploit the issue to crash Wireshark by sending carefully crafted packets or files. This disruption can hinder network analysis and monitoring tasks performed using Wireshark.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1992

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-1992 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a buffer over-read issue within the RPCoRDMA dissector of Wireshark. By triggering this flaw, an attacker can crash the application, thereby denying service to legitimate users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The versions of Wireshark impacted by CVE-2023-1992 include 4.0.0 to 4.0.4 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.12. Users utilizing these versions are vulnerable to exploitation unless appropriate mitigations are applied.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker sending malicious packets or loading crafted capture files into Wireshark. Upon processing these manipulated inputs, the buffer over-read occurs, leading to a crash and denial of service scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems and networks from the risks posed by CVE-2023-1992, it is crucial to implement effective mitigation strategies and security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately updating Wireshark to versions beyond 4.0.4 and 3.6.12, where the vulnerability has been patched, is essential to mitigate the threat of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for any signs of suspicious activity can aid in detecting potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular software updates and patches to address known vulnerabilities promptly. Employing network segmentation, access controls, and intrusion detection systems can enhance overall security posture against similar threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security advisories from Wireshark and related vendors, along with promptly applying patches and updates, is crucial to stay protected against emerging vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1992.