CVE-2005-2213 in MMS Ripper
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the mms_interp_header function in mms.c in MMS Ripper before 0.6.4 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a file with more than 20 streams.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2213 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MMS Ripper media processing library. This issue affects versions prior to 0.6.4 and specifically targets the mms_interp_header function located in the mms.c source file. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing multimedia files, creating a condition where an attacker can craft malicious files containing more than twenty streams to exploit the buffer overflow. Such a flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on buffers that are allocated on the stack. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution, meaning that an attacker could potentially deliver a malicious file over a network and trigger the vulnerability without requiring local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how improper handling of multimedia file headers can lead to memory corruption. When the mms_interp_header function processes a file with excessive stream counts, it fails to validate the number of streams against predetermined buffer limits. This results in data being written beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The buffer overflow creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can manipulate the program flow to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multimedia processing applications as they often handle files from untrusted sources, making them prime targets for remote exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers leveraging this flaw can potentially gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of MMS Ripper, leading to data theft, system manipulation, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Organizations using affected versions of this software should consider the broader implications for their security posture, as exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to establish persistent access or deploy additional malware. The flaw also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries, as these components often handle complex binary formats that can be easily manipulated to trigger memory corruption conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2213 primarily focus on immediate version updates and input validation improvements. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to MMS Ripper version 0.6.4 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address the buffer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing proper bounds checking in the mms_interp_header function would prevent the overflow from occurring when stream counts exceed safe limits. Security practitioners should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file patterns associated with this vulnerability. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though these are secondary mitigations. Organizations should also establish proper file validation procedures for multimedia content, including limiting the number of streams allowed in processed files and implementing strict input sanitization measures. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, particularly those involving buffer overflow exploitation and remote code execution through multimedia file processing.