CVE-2004-1309 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the demux_open_bmp function in demux_bmp.c for Unix MPlayer 1.0pre5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a bitmap (BMP) file containing a large biClrUsed field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1309 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Unix MPlayer media player version 1.0pre5. This flaw exists within the demux_open_bmp function located in the demux_bmp.c source file, which handles the parsing of bitmap image files. The vulnerability specifically targets the biClrUsed field within the bitmap file header structure, where an attacker can manipulate this field to trigger memory corruption. The biClrUsed field indicates the number of color indices in the color table that are actually used by the bitmap, but when this value is excessively large, it creates a condition where the application attempts to allocate more memory than intended, leading to heap corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted BMP files, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of MPlayer. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation where the application fails to adequately check the bounds of user-supplied data before using it to allocate memory resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious BMP file with an oversized biClrUsed field that exceeds the legitimate memory allocation boundaries. When MPlayer processes this file, the demux_open_bmp function attempts to allocate memory based on the inflated biClrUsed value, resulting in a heap overflow condition. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical data structures, allowing an attacker to potentially redirect execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require user interaction beyond opening the file, making it suitable for automated exploitation in phishing campaigns or malicious website scenarios. The vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The heap corruption occurs during the parsing phase of the bitmap file format, which is a common entry point for media player vulnerabilities due to the complex nature of image format specifications and the extensive memory management required for image rendering.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1309 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to system security and integrity. Systems running Unix MPlayer 1.0pre5 are vulnerable to complete compromise when users inadvertently open malicious bitmap files, either through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also networked environments where MPlayer is used for media processing, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations using MPlayer for multimedia applications, including those in educational institutions, media production facilities, or corporate environments, face elevated risk from this vulnerability. The exploitation can lead to various security consequences including unauthorized access, data exfiltration, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware payloads. The vulnerability also highlights the broader issue of legacy software security, as MPlayer 1.0pre5 represents a pre-release version that may have been less rigorously tested for security vulnerabilities compared to stable releases. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, where the parsing of external file formats can create extensive attack surfaces. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability is part of a larger class of buffer overflow issues that continue to plague multimedia applications, making it a critical target for remediation efforts in legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1309 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MPlayer installations to the latest stable versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based security controls including content filtering and file type restrictions to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious bitmap files to end-user systems. The implementation of sandboxing techniques for media processing applications can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts by limiting the damage that can be caused by arbitrary code execution. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of MPlayer and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Input validation controls should be enhanced to include bounds checking on all fields within bitmap file headers, particularly the biClrUsed field and related color table parameters. The use of memory safety languages or runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management programs should be implemented to ensure that all multimedia applications remain current with the latest security fixes. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect and alert on unusual file processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices including proper error handling, input validation, and memory management techniques that are essential for preventing similar issues in future software development cycles.