CVE-2023-6174 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE, assigned by GitLab, involves an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Wireshark 4.0.0 to 4.0.10, potentially leading to denial of service through packet injection or crafted capture files.

Understanding CVE-2023-6174

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-6174, including its impact, technical description, affected systems and versions, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-6174?

CVE-2023-6174 is a vulnerability identified in the Wireshark software versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.10 that allows attackers to trigger a denial of service attack by exploiting an out-of-bounds read issue in the SSH dissector.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6174

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium with a base score of 6.3. Attackers can potentially disrupt network availability and compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6174

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-6174.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read in the Wireshark SSH dissector, allowing malicious actors to exploit the software and cause a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Wireshark software versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.10 are affected by this vulnerability. Systems running these versions are at risk of exploitation if not patched.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious packets or utilizing crafted capture files to trigger the out-of-bounds read issue, leading to a potential denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks posed by CVE-2023-6174, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to mitigate the threat effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Wireshark to version 4.0.11 or above to patch the vulnerability and protect systems from exploitation.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an attempted breach leveraging this CVE.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate risks within the network infrastructure proactively.

Patching and Updates

Wireshark users are advised to apply the provided solution by upgrading to version 4.0.11 or a later release to ensure that systems are protected against potential exploitation of CVE-2023-6174.