CVE-2005-1692 in gxine
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in gxine 0.4.1 through 0.4.4, and other versions down to 0.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a ram file with a URL whose hostname contains format string specifiers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1692 represents a critical format string flaw affecting the gxine media player software across versions 0.4.1 through 0.4.4 and potentially earlier versions down to 0.3. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of URL parameters, specifically when processing ram files that contain hostnames with format string specifiers. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that flows directly into format string functions without appropriate escaping or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when gxine processes a ram file containing a URL with a hostname that includes format specifiers such as %s, %d, or other format string directives. When the application attempts to display or log this hostname without proper sanitization, the format string function interprets these specifiers as instructions for data extraction from the stack, potentially leading to information disclosure, application crashes, or more critically, arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for systems running affected versions of gxine. Attackers can craft malicious ram files with specially formatted hostnames that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, trigger the format string vulnerability. This creates a social engineering vector where victims might unknowingly execute malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate media file downloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open media files from untrusted sources, such as web browsers, email clients, or media player applications that automatically process external content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1692 should focus on immediate patching of affected software versions, with administrators prioritizing the upgrade to patched versions of gxine. The underlying principle for preventing such vulnerabilities involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, particularly when handling user-supplied data in functions that accept format strings. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as URL filtering and content validation to prevent the delivery of malicious ram files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication and execution through compromised applications, emphasizing the need for application whitelisting and runtime protections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding direct use of user input in format string functions without proper validation and sanitization measures.