Description
The bytes_repr_len function in Wireshark 1.4.5 uses an incorrect pointer argument, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via arbitrary TCP traffic.
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 ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | wireshark | 1.4.6-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | wireshark | 1.4.6-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | wireshark | 1.4.6-1 | — |
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
- Wireshark 1.4.5 - 'bytes_repr_len()' Null Pointer Dereference Denial of Service EDB-35873 · dos · Jun 17, 2011 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
References
- http://www.wireshark.org/news/20110418.html
- [oss-security] 20110531 CVE request for Wireshark 1.4.5 TCP DoS issue mailing-list
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:14943 vdb-entry signature
- wireshark-desegmenttcp-dos(67789) vdb-entry
- [oss-security] 20110601 Re: CVE request for Wireshark 1.4.5 TCP DoS issue mailing-list
- 44449 third-party-advisory
- http://www.wireshark.org/docs/relnotes/wireshark-1.4.6.html
- https://bugs.wireshark.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=5837