CVE-2000-0624 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Winamp 2.64 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a long #EXTINF: extension in the M3U playlist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0624 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Winamp media player versions 2.64 and earlier. This security issue stems from inadequate input validation within the application's handling of M3U playlist files, specifically when processing the #EXTINF: extension tag. The flaw occurs when the player encounters a malformed playlist containing an excessively long #EXTINF: line, which triggers a buffer overflow condition in the application's memory management. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Winamp. When a malicious user crafts an M3U playlist file with an overly long #EXTINF: extension, the player's parser fails to properly validate the input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This allows an attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and function pointers, effectively enabling code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through web-based playlist files or shared network locations, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0624 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Systems running vulnerable Winamp versions become susceptible to various attack scenarios including privilege escalation, persistent backdoor installation, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by enticing users to open malicious playlist files, making it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users may unknowingly download content from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Winamp installations to versions that properly validate input lengths and implement proper buffer boundary checking. System administrators should disable automatic playlist loading features and implement strict file validation policies for media content. Network-level protections such as firewall rules blocking M3U file downloads and content filtering systems can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also implement regular software update procedures and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in other media applications and software systems.