Description
Format string vulnerability in the proto_item_set_text function in Ethereal 0.9.4 through 0.10.11, as used in multiple dissectors, allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary memory locations and gain privileges via a crafted AFP packet.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 3 | ethereal +1 | 0.10.12-1.EL3.1 | RHSA-2005:687 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Ethereal 10.x - AFP Protocol Dissector Remote Format String EDB-1139 · remote · Aug 6, 2005 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 2
- RHSA-2005:687 Red Hat Security Advisory: ethereal security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-853-1 ethereal - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://www.ethereal.com/appnotes/enpa-sa-00020.html
- SUSE-SR:2005:018 vendor-advisory
- GLSA-200507-27 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SR:2005:019 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:10765 vdb-entry signature
- RHSA-2005:687 vendor-advisory
- DSA-853 vendor-advisory
- 20050805 Multiple Vendor Ethereal AFP Protocol Dissector Format String Vulnerability third-party-advisory
- 16225 third-party-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:131 vendor-advisory
- FLSA-2006:152922 vendor-advisory
- 14399 vdb-entry
- 17102 third-party-advisory