CVE-2002-0546 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in the mini-browser for Winamp 2.78 and 2.79 allows remote attackers to execute script via an ID3v1 or ID3v2 tag in an MP3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0546 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the mini-browser component of Winamp media player versions 2.78 and 2.79. This security weakness specifically targets the application's handling of audio file metadata, particularly ID3v1 and ID3v2 tag structures that contain information about music tracks. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within Winamp's embedded browser functionality, which processes and displays metadata from media files in a web-like interface. When users open MP3 files containing maliciously crafted ID3 tags, the mini-browser executes arbitrary scripts, potentially compromising user systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied data within the Winamp application's metadata parsing routines. ID3 tags are standard metadata containers used in MP3 files to store information such as artist names, album titles, and track numbers. When Winamp encounters these tags in the mini-browser interface, it fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This parsing flaw allows attackers to embed malicious scripts within the metadata fields, which then execute when the browser component renders the information. The vulnerability specifically affects the ID3v1 and ID3v2 tag formats, which are widely used in the audio industry and supported by numerous media players and applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the context of media player usage. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to session hijacking, credential theft, and system compromise through drive-by downloads. When users encounter maliciously crafted MP3 files, the vulnerability can be exploited without any user interaction beyond simply opening the file, making it particularly dangerous in shared or public computing environments. The attack vector demonstrates a classic example of how multimedia applications can become attack surfaces, exploiting the trust users place in media content to execute unauthorized code on their systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0546 should focus on immediate application updates and user education regarding file source verification. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Winamp versions that properly sanitize metadata inputs before rendering them in the mini-browser component. Security practitioners should implement network-level filtering to prevent the distribution of potentially malicious MP3 files through corporate networks. Additionally, users should be advised to avoid opening MP3 files from untrusted sources and to maintain current antivirus signatures that can detect malicious metadata. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications and embedded browsers, and demonstrates how traditional desktop applications can become vectors for web-based attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving the exploitation of application vulnerabilities for code execution, with potential for privilege escalation and persistent access within affected systems.