CVE-2024-0208: Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves an uncontrolled recursion vulnerability in Wireshark versions 4.2.0, 4.0.0 to 4.0.11, and 3.6.0 to 3.6.19, which could lead to denial of service through packet injection or a crafted capture file.

Understanding CVE-2024-0208

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2024-0208, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2024-0208?

CVE-2024-0208 refers to an uncontrolled recursion vulnerability (CWE-674) in Wireshark, specifically in versions 4.2.0, 4.0.0 to 4.0.11, and 3.6.0 to 3.6.19. This vulnerability allows attackers to launch denial-of-service attacks by injecting malicious packets or utilizing specifically crafted capture files.

The Impact of CVE-2024-0208

The impact of CVE-2024-0208 is rated as HIGH. It can lead to a complete denial of service due to the uncontrolled recursion issue, potentially causing system crashes or freezes, ultimately disrupting network traffic analysis.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-0208

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an uncontrolled recursion flaw in Wireshark, where an attacker can leverage packet injection or specially crafted files to trigger the issue, leading to a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark versions 4.2.0, 4.0.0 to 4.0.11, and 3.6.0 to 3.6.19 are impacted by CVE-2024-0208. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of falling victim to denial-of-service attacks exploiting the uncontrolled recursion vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2024-0208 by sending malicious packets or loading crafted capture files into the affected Wireshark versions. This triggers the uncontrolled recursion flaw, potentially leading to service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-0208 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2024-0208, users are advised to upgrade to Wireshark versions 4.2.1, 4.0.12, 3.6.20, or newer. This action helps patch the uncontrolled recursion vulnerability and safeguards systems against denial-of-service attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is essential to stay informed about security updates and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities. Regularly monitoring for CVEs and following best security practices can enhance network defense.

Patching and Updates

Keeping Wireshark up to date with the latest security patches and version upgrades is crucial for maintaining network integrity and protecting against potential threats. Regularly check for updates from Wireshark and apply them promptly to mitigate security risks.