CVE-2023-2855 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-2855 relates to a Candump log parser crash in Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.5 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.13, which allows for a denial of service attack via a crafted capture file.

Understanding CVE-2023-2855

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-2855, including its impact and technical aspects.

What is CVE-2023-2855?

CVE-2023-2855 involves a vulnerability in Wireshark where a Candump log parser crash can be triggered by a specially crafted capture file. The vulnerability affects Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.5 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.13.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2855

The impact of this CVE is considered as medium with a base score of 5.3. This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service due to the crash of the Candump log parser in Wireshark.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2855

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-2855, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Wireshark allows for a buffer over-read, leading to a Candump log parser crash when processing a maliciously crafted capture file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.5 and versions 3.6.0 to 3.6.13 are affected by this CVE. Systems running these versions are susceptible to the denial of service attack through the exploitation of the Candump log parser crash.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-2855 involves crafting a specific capture file that triggers the buffer over-read in Wireshark's Candump log parser, causing the application to crash and resulting in a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-2855 and prevent potential exploitation, certain steps can be taken to secure affected systems and maintain overall cybersecurity.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update Wireshark to versions 4.0.6 or higher for the 4.0.x branch and versions 3.6.14 or higher for the 3.6.x branch to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, users should be cautious when handling unknown capture files to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security policy, regularly updating software, and monitoring for potential vulnerabilities can help in preventing and mitigating similar security risks in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates and patches from Wireshark is crucial. Promptly applying patches and staying informed about the latest security advisories can help in safeguarding systems from known vulnerabilities.