CVE-2002-0272 in mpg321
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in mpg321 before 0.2.9 allows local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL to (1) a command line option, (2) an HTTP request, or (3) an FTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0272 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the mpg321 media player software version 0.2.8 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of URL inputs across multiple network protocols including HTTP and FTP, making it a significant security risk for systems that utilize this software. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the software's network request processing functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the mpg321 application processes command line arguments or network requests containing excessively long URL strings. The software fails to properly validate the length of incoming URL data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating conditions where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This buffer overflow condition can be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program data structures, ultimately allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability's reach extends to both local and remote attack scenarios, as the software's network processing capabilities make it susceptible to exploitation over network connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with potential full system compromise capabilities. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code on systems running vulnerable versions of mpg321, while remote attackers can exploit it through network-based interactions with the software. The vulnerability affects systems where mpg321 is used for media playback, particularly in environments where users might encounter malicious URLs through web browsing or file sharing activities. The attack surface is broadened by the software's support for multiple protocols including HTTP and FTP, increasing the likelihood of exploitation opportunities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework, specifically relating to buffer overflow techniques that are frequently targeted by attackers. This flaw represents a classic example of CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Organizations utilizing mpg321 should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the software's widespread use in various media applications makes it an attractive target for exploitation. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to mpg321 version 0.2.9 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms to prevent the buffer overflow conditions that enable arbitrary code execution. Additionally, system administrators should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider restricting access to potentially malicious URLs through firewall rules and content filtering solutions.