CVE-2023-4513 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record, assigned by GitLab, pertains to a vulnerability identified as "Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime" in Wireshark software. The vulnerability, tracked under the CVE-2023-4513 ID, exposes versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.7 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.15 to a denial of service risk through packet injection or crafted capture file.

Understanding CVE-2023-4513

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-4513, shedding light on the vulnerability's nature and impact.

What is CVE-2023-4513?

CVE-2023-4513 involves a memory leak issue in the BT SDP dissector of Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.7 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.15. Through this vulnerability, an attacker could launch denial of service attacks via packet injection or by exploiting a crafted capture file.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4513

The impact of CVE-2023-4513 is centered around the potential for denial of service attacks due to the mishandling of released memory after the effective lifetime within Wireshark.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4513

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-4513, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-401 ('Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime'), signifying the issue of memory not being properly released after its useful lifetime.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wireshark versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.7 and 3.6.0 to 3.6.15 are impacted by CVE-2023-4513, with versions less than 4.0.8 and 3.6.16 respectively being susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through packet injection or by using manipulated capture files, enabling attackers to trigger denial of service conditions on affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This segment focuses on the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4513 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to upgrade to Wireshark version 4.0.8, 3.6.16, or later to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security protocols and regularly updating software can enhance overall system security and mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates provided by Wireshark Foundation is crucial in maintaining a secure environment and safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-4513.