Wireshark: Improper Handling of Missing Values
CVE-2024-9781 is a high-severity improper handling of missing values vulnerability in Wireshark from Wireshark Foundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 4.4.1, 4.2.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating Wireshark to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.31% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Wireshark to 4.4.1 or 4.2.8, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on wireshark.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireshark Foundation | Wireshark | 4.4.0 up to, but not including, 4.4.1; 4.2.0 up to, but not including, 4.2.8 | 4.4.1, 4.2.8 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (gitlab.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
AppleTalk and RELOAD Framing dissector crash in Wireshark 4.4.0 and 4.2.0 to 4.2.7 allows denial of service via packet injection or crafted capture file
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Handling of Missing Values
The product does not handle or incorrectly handles when a parameter, field, or argument name is specified, but the associated value is missing, i.e. it is empty, blank, or null.
More Improper Handling of Missing Values vulnerabilities (CWE-230)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Recent Improper Handling of Missing Values vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
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