CVE-2006-1514 in abcmidi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the abcmidi-yaps translator in abcmidi 20050101, and other versions, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ABC music files that trigger the overflows during translation into PostScript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1514 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the abcmidi-yaps translator component of the abcmidi software suite version 20050101 and subsequent releases. This flaw exists in the translation process that converts ABC music notation files into PostScript format, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted input files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the software's parsing routines that handle ABC musical data structures.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the abcmidi-yaps translator processes specially crafted ABC music files that contain oversized or malformed data structures. These files trigger memory corruption during the translation process, specifically when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow in the software's parsing functions, where insufficient boundary checks allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which classifies stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to completely compromise systems processing these musical files. An attacker could construct malicious ABC files that, when processed by vulnerable abcmidi-yaps components, would overwrite critical program execution flow and potentially inject malicious code into the target system. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond the simple act of processing a crafted file, making it a significant threat in automated processing environments or systems that automatically translate music files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to patched versions of abcmidi that implement proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. System administrators should disable processing of untrusted ABC files and implement strict file format validation before any translation processes are initiated. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable abcmidi versions. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures that validate the length and structure of ABC musical data before processing can provide defense-in-depth protection. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious file processing patterns and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in multimedia processing applications and highlights the need for robust memory safety practices in software development lifecycle processes.