CVE-2004-1256 in Abcmidi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) event_text and (2) event_specific functions in abc2midi 2004.12.04 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ABC files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1256 represents a critical security flaw in the abc2midi software version 2004.12.04 which processes ABC notation files for music composition and conversion. This software serves as a utility for converting musical notation written in the ABC format into MIDI files, making it a potential target for exploitation in environments where users might process untrusted musical data. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct buffer overflow conditions that occur within the event_text and event_specific functions of the application's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the abc2midi parser. When processing maliciously crafted ABC files, the event_text and event_specific functions fail to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The buffer overflows occur because the application does not validate the length of input strings or data elements before performing memory operations, creating exploitable conditions where crafted input can exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems processing musical data, particularly in environments where users might receive or import ABC files from untrusted sources. Attackers could exploit this weakness by creating specially formatted ABC files that, when processed by the vulnerable abc2midi application, would trigger the buffer overflows and execute malicious code on the target system. The remote execution capability means that attackers could potentially compromise systems without requiring local access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments or when the software is used in automated processing pipelines. The exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or further network infiltration depending on the privileges of the affected application.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. These classifications reflect the fundamental memory corruption issues present in the software's input handling mechanisms. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability would map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically the use of malicious code execution through buffer overflow exploitation. The most effective mitigations include immediate application of vendor patches, input validation enforcement, and deployment of network segmentation controls to limit exposure. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and mandatory access controls can help prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable software components. System administrators should also consider disabling processing of untrusted ABC files and implementing strict file validation procedures to reduce the attack surface.