CVE-2004-1475 in Xine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in xine-lib 1-rc2 through 1-rc5 allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) long VideoCD vcd:// MRLs or (2) long subtitle lines.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1475 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in xine-lib versions 1-rc2 through 1-rc5, a multimedia library widely used in Linux and Unix-based systems for media playback. This flaw resides in the handling of Media Resource Locators and subtitle processing within the xine media framework, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability specifically affects the VideoCD vcd:// MRL parsing functionality and subtitle line processing, both of which are common components in multimedia applications and streaming scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size management within the xine-lib codebase. When processing VideoCD MRLs beginning with the vcd:// protocol or when handling extended subtitle lines, the library fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be triggered through various user interaction scenarios, including opening maliciously crafted media files or accessing specially constructed URLs.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1475 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited through web-based media playback systems, network file sharing, or email attachments containing malicious media content. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running xine-lib versions between 1-rc2 and 1-rc5, making it particularly concerning for Linux distributions and multimedia applications that rely on this library for media processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected xine-lib versions to the latest stable releases that contain proper input validation and buffer overflow protections. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of multimedia applications to untrusted users. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and runtime monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and follows ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected xine-lib versions and ensure proper security updates are deployed across all multimedia platforms.