CVE-2004-0982 in mpg123
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the getauthfromURL function in httpget.c in mpg123 pre0.59s and mpg123 0.59r could allow remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary code via an mp3 file that contains a long string before the @ (at sign) in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0982 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the mpg123 media player software family, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.59s and including the 0.59r release. This issue resides in the getauthfromURL function located within the httpget.c source file, which handles authentication information extraction from Uniform Resource Locators. The flaw manifests when processing mp3 files that contain excessively long strings positioned before the @ (at sign) character within URL structures, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during string processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The getauthfromURL function fails to properly validate the length of URL components before copying them into fixed-size buffers, enabling malicious actors to craft specially formatted mp3 files that trigger the overflow. This condition creates an opportunity for both remote attackers who can deliver malicious content over networks and local users who might encounter such files through various means, including email attachments or file sharing platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access. When exploited, the buffer overflow could allow attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the mpg123 process, potentially leading to complete system control. This represents a significant threat in environments where mpg123 is used as a media player for processing untrusted content, particularly in web-based applications or automated media processing systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the simple act of playing the malicious mp3 file, making it particularly dangerous in automated or unattended systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0982 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 0.59s or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of mpg123 are updated across networked environments. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content filtering for mp3 files, particularly those obtained from untrusted sources, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation practices aligned with secure coding guidelines and represents a classic example of why proper memory management and bounds checking should be integral components of all software development processes. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running mpg123 to potentially malicious content, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.