CVE-2006-0787 in Wimpy MP3
Summary
by MITRE
wimpy_trackplays.php in Plaino Wimpy MP3 Player, possibly 5.2 and earlier, allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary strings into trackme.txt via the (1) trackFile, (2) trackArtist, and (3) trackTitle parameters, which can result in providing false information about songs, occupying excessive disk space with very long parameter values, and storing executable code that might be invoked through a different vulnerability. NOTE: since this issue, as described by the original researcher, is entirely dependent on the presence of another vulnerability, it could be argued that Wimpy cannot be responsible for how its data file is processed by applications outside of its control. Since this issue might only be useful as a facilitator manipulation in another vulnerability, perhaps it should not be included in CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0787 affects the Plaino Wimpy MP3 Player version 5.2 and earlier, specifically targeting the wimpy_trackplays.php script. This issue represents a classic case of insecure data handling where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into a tracking file without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability manifests through three primary parameters: trackFile, trackArtist, and trackTitle, which are all susceptible to injection attacks that can manipulate the contents of the trackme.txt file. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper control of generation of code, as it allows for the insertion of arbitrary strings that could potentially contain executable code. The security implications extend beyond simple data manipulation to encompass potential resource exhaustion and code execution risks.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the lack of input validation and sanitization within the wimpy_trackplays.php script. When remote attackers submit malicious data through the vulnerable parameters, the application blindly incorporates these values into the trackme.txt file without any form of filtering or encoding. This creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the tracking data to insert false information about songs, potentially misleading users or system administrators about the actual media being played. The vulnerability also presents a significant risk of resource exhaustion, as attackers can submit extremely long parameter values that consume excessive disk space, potentially leading to denial of service conditions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection and T1499.004 for resource exhaustion, demonstrating how the flaw can be leveraged for multiple attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0787 extends beyond immediate data corruption to encompass broader system security implications. The ability to inject executable code through the trackme.txt file creates a potential pathway for attackers to escalate privileges or establish persistent access within the system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level, where it can interact with system resources and potentially be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities present in the same environment. The vulnerability's reliance on external processing of the data file, as noted in the original description, creates a complex attack surface where the responsibility for security lies across multiple components. Organizations using this software face risks of data integrity compromise, unauthorized code execution, and potential system compromise, especially when the trackme.txt file is processed by other applications that might not properly validate input data.
The suggested mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the wimpy_trackplays.php script. All user-supplied parameters must undergo strict validation to ensure they conform to expected formats and lengths, with any suspicious or malformed input being rejected. Implementing proper encoding of special characters and limiting the maximum length of input parameters can prevent both resource exhaustion attacks and code injection attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing file access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized modifications to the trackme.txt file. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous patterns in tracking data that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign applications can become security risks when they handle user input without proper sanitization, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of all application components.