CVE-1999-0946 in MidiPlug
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Yamaha MidiPlug via a Text variable in an EMBED tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0946 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the Yamaha MidiPlug component, which operates as a browser plugin for multimedia content delivery. This specific weakness manifests when processing an EMBED tag containing a Text variable, creating a scenario where malicious input can exceed the allocated memory buffer space. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the plugin's handling of embedded multimedia content, particularly when text parameters are processed through the EMBED tag structure. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security flaws that have historically plagued multimedia plugins and browser extensions, where insufficient input validation creates pathways for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs at the memory management level within the Yamaha MidiPlug plugin, where string handling functions fail to properly validate the length of input text before copying it into fixed-size buffers. When a maliciously crafted EMBED tag contains an oversized Text variable, the plugin's internal buffer receives more data than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption typically affects stack-based buffers where the plugin stores local variables and return addresses, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of web browser plugins, which often run with elevated privileges and can access system resources beyond typical web content restrictions, aligning with CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious web pages containing specially formatted EMBED tags with oversized Text parameters, which when viewed in affected browsers trigger the buffer overflow condition. The successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks of plugin-based architectures where third-party components can introduce security weaknesses that affect the entire browser ecosystem, particularly given that the affected plugin was designed to handle multimedia content processing in web environments. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation often involves injecting malicious code through buffer overflow mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Yamaha MidiPlug plugin to implement proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should disable or remove the plugin from affected systems until proper security updates are applied, as the vulnerability exists in widely deployed software components from the late 1990s era. The remediation approach should include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult even if similar vulnerabilities persist. Network-level defenses should also be enhanced through web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious EMBED tag patterns. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected plugins and components, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy software systems. The incident underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates, particularly for browser plugins that operate with elevated privileges and access to system resources.