How severe is CVE-2018-7421?

CVE-2018-7421 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-7421 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-7421?

CVE-2018-7421 affects Wireshark. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-7421?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2018-7421 published?

CVE-2018-7421 was published on 2018-02-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-7421

CVE-2018-7421 is a high-severity vulnerability in Wireshark with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-835.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (75th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-835
Affected product: Wireshark
Published: 2018-02-23
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In Wireshark 2.2.0 to 2.2.12 and 2.4.0 to 2.4.4, the DMP dissector could go into an infinite loop. This was addressed in epan/dissectors/packet-dmp.c by correctly supporting a bounded number of Security Categories for a DMP Security Classification.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-7421?: In Wireshark 2.2.0 to 2.2.12 and 2.4.0 to 2.4.4, the DMP dissector could go into an infinite loop. This was addressed in epan/dissectors/packet-dmp.c by correctly supporting a bounded number of Security Categories for a DMP Security Classification.
How severe is CVE-2018-7421?: CVE-2018-7421 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-7421 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-7421?: CVE-2018-7421 affects Wireshark. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-7421?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-7421 published?: CVE-2018-7421 was published on 2018-02-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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