How severe is CVE-2015-6242?

CVE-2015-6242 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.3, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2015-6242 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-6242?

CVE-2015-6242 primarily affects Wireshark. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-6242?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2015-6242 published?

CVE-2015-6242 was published on 2015-08-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-6242

CVE-2015-6242 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Wireshark with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 4.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (85th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Wireshark
Published: 2015-08-24
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The wmem_block_split_free_chunk function in epan/wmem/wmem_allocator_block.c in the wmem block allocator in the memory manager in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.7 does not properly consider a certain case of multiple realloc operations that restore a memory chunk to its original size, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (incorrect free operation and application crash) via a crafted packet.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-6242?: The wmem_block_split_free_chunk function in epan/wmem/wmem_allocator_block.c in the wmem block allocator in the memory manager in Wireshark 1.12.x before 1.12.7 does not properly consider a certain case of multiple realloc operations that restore a memory chunk to its original size, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (incorrect free operation and application crash) via a crafted packet.
How severe is CVE-2015-6242?: CVE-2015-6242 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.3, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2015-6242 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-6242?: CVE-2015-6242 primarily affects Wireshark. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-6242?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2015-6242 published?: CVE-2015-6242 was published on 2015-08-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (8)

cpe:2.3:o:oracle:solaris:11.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:1.12.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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