CVE-2004-0991 in mpg123
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in mpg123 before 0.59s-r9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via frame headers in MP2 or MP3 files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0991 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting mpg123 versions prior to 0.59s-r9. This multimedia player application, widely used for decoding mp2 and mp3 audio files, contained a fundamental programming error that could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability specifically targets the frame header parsing functionality within the mpg123 library, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted audio files to trigger memory corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through maliciously formatted media files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of mp2 and mp3 frame headers, where the mpg123 application fails to properly validate the length and structure of incoming data before processing it. When the application encounters a specially crafted frame header with oversized data fields, the buffer overflow condition manifests as memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution data. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the program flow by overwriting return addresses or other control data within the stack, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious payloads through compromised media processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0991 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to systems running vulnerable versions of mpg123. This includes various multimedia applications, media servers, and content delivery systems that rely on mpg123 for audio processing, potentially affecting web applications, streaming services, and embedded systems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Organizations using affected versions of mpg123 should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat, especially in scenarios where users might encounter untrusted media content or where the application is deployed in server environments processing user-uploaded files. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation and system compromise necessitates immediate remediation through software updates and security patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0991 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of mpg123, specifically versions 0.59s-r9 and later, which contain proper input validation and buffer management controls. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing content filtering for audio files, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and applying runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization where available. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in multimedia processing applications, reinforcing industry best practices around secure coding standards and the implementation of defensive programming techniques. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where multiple applications depend on the affected media processing libraries.