How severe is CVE-2018-9256?

CVE-2018-9256 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-2018-9256 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (82nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-9256?

CVE-2018-9256 primarily affects Wireshark. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-9256?

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-2018-9256 published?

CVE-2018-9256 was published on 2018-04-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-9256

CVE-2018-9256 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (82nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Wireshark
Published: 2018-04-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In Wireshark 2.4.0 to 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.13, the LWAPP dissector could crash. This was addressed in epan/dissectors/packet-lwapp.c by limiting the encapsulation levels to restrict the recursion depth.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-9256?: In Wireshark 2.4.0 to 2.4.5 and 2.2.0 to 2.2.13, the LWAPP dissector could crash. This was addressed in epan/dissectors/packet-lwapp.c by limiting the encapsulation levels to restrict the recursion depth.
How severe is CVE-2018-9256?: CVE-2018-9256 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-2018-9256 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (82nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-9256?: CVE-2018-9256 primarily affects Wireshark. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-9256?: 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-2018-9256 published?: CVE-2018-9256 was published on 2018-04-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:wireshark:wireshark:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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