CVE-2004-1476 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the VideoCD (VCD) code in xine-lib 1-rc2 through 1-rc5, as derived from libcdio, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a VideoCD with an unterminated disk label.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1476 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw that exists within the VideoCD handling functionality of xine-lib versions 1-rc2 through 1-rc5. This issue stems from the library's integration with libcdio, which provides CD-ROM reading capabilities and is widely used in multimedia applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing VideoCD format media that contains an unterminated disk label, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw falls under CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been a persistent concern in software development since the early days of computing. This type of vulnerability directly enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow by overwriting return addresses and other critical stack data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when xine-lib processes a VideoCD file containing an improperly terminated disk label string. During the parsing of the VCD metadata, the library fails to properly validate string boundaries, allowing an attacker to supply a disk label that exceeds the allocated buffer space. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that the attacker can overwrite the return address of the calling function, potentially redirecting execution to malicious code injected into the stack. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and bounds checking that is commonly found in legacy codebases that were not initially designed with security in mind. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond simply opening a maliciously crafted VideoCD file, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited through various attack surfaces including email attachments, web downloads, or media sharing platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1476 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to multimedia applications that rely on xine-lib for playback functionality. Systems running affected versions of xine-lib, including various Linux distributions, multimedia applications, and embedded systems that utilize this library, become vulnerable to arbitrary code execution attacks. The vulnerability affects the broader multimedia ecosystem since xine-lib serves as a core component in many media players and applications, meaning that exploitation could potentially compromise entire systems or enable attackers to escalate privileges within the application context. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1203, legitimate credentials, as attackers might leverage the compromised application to gain further access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected xine-lib versions to address the buffer overflow in the VCD processing code. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of xine-lib that include proper input validation and bounds checking for disk label strings. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in legacy codebases that handle user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms for multimedia applications to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns and potential attempts to exploit buffer overflow conditions in multimedia applications. The remediation process must also consider the broader ecosystem of applications that depend on xine-lib, ensuring that updates are coordinated across dependent software packages to prevent further exposure to similar vulnerabilities.