CVE-2003-0075 in BladeEnc
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the myFseek function of samplein.c for Blade encoder (BladeEnc) 0.94.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a negative offset value following a "fmt" wave chunk.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0075 represents a critical integer signedness error within the Blade encoder software version 0.94.2 and earlier. This flaw exists in the myFseek function located in the samplein.c source file, which is part of the BladeEnc audio encoding utility. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of negative offset values during file seeking operations, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The specific condition occurs when processing wave format chunks, particularly following a "fmt" chunk in audio files, where the software fails to properly validate or sanitize negative integer values that should not logically occur in this context.
This integer signedness error constitutes a classic software flaw that falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, specifically manifesting as an improper handling of signed integer values in file operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of buffer management and input validation, where the software assumes that file offsets will always be positive values. When malicious actors supply negative offset values through crafted wave files, the system's integer handling mechanisms fail to properly process these inputs, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited to manipulate memory pointers and execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it allows remote exploitation without requiring local system access, making it a significant threat to systems processing audio files through vulnerable Blade encoder implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious code into systems that process audio files using the vulnerable Blade encoder, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the core file handling functionality of the encoder, meaning any application or service that relies on this component for audio processing could become a target. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where audio file processing occurs automatically, as it can be exploited through automated means without requiring user interaction or specific privileges. The attack scenario typically involves preparing a malicious wave file with negative offset values that trigger the integer overflow during file parsing, subsequently leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0075 require immediate implementation of software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as comprehensive input validation measures. Organizations should implement strict file format validation mechanisms that reject any wave files containing negative offset values in their "fmt" chunks, effectively preventing the vulnerable code path from being triggered. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious wave file patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched software to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate audio processing functionality. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for audio file processing applications and maintaining detailed monitoring of file processing activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper integer handling and input validation in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities.