Description
The dissect_capwap_data function in epan/dissectors/packet-capwap.c in the CAPWAP dissector in Wireshark 1.6.x before 1.6.16 and 1.8.x before 1.8.8 incorrectly uses a -1 data value to represent an error condition, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted 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 ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | wireshark | 1.10.0-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | wireshark | 1.10.0-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | wireshark | 1.10.0-1 | — |
| Debian 7 | wireshark | 1.8.2-5wheezy4 | DSA-2709-1 |
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.
Metasploit 1 module
-
Wireshark CAPWAP Dissector DoS
auxiliary/dos/wireshark/capwap
Exploit-DB 1
- Wireshark CAPWAP Dissector - Denial of Service (Metasploit) EDB-33556 · dos · May 28, 2014 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-2709-1 wireshark - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 33556 exploit
- http://www.wireshark.org/docs/relnotes/wireshark-1.8.8.html
- 53762 third-party-advisory
- http://www.wireshark.org/security/wnpa-sec-2013-32.html
- 54425 third-party-advisory
- http://anonsvn.wireshark.org/viewvc?view=revision&revision=43716
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/126848/Wireshark-CAPWAP-Dissector-Denial-Of-Service.html
- GLSA-201308-05 vendor-advisory
- openSUSE-SU-2013:1086 vendor-advisory
- http://www.wireshark.org/docs/relnotes/wireshark-1.6.16.html
- DSA-2709 vendor-advisory
- https://bugs.wireshark.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=8725
- 94091 vdb-entry
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:16698 vdb-entry signature
- http://anonsvn.wireshark.org/viewvc/trunk/epan/dissectors/packet-capwap.c?r1=43716&r2=43715&pathrev=43716
- MDVSA-2013:172 vendor-advisory
- openSUSE-SU-2013:1084 vendor-advisory