CVE-2006-2458 in Libextractor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in Libextractor 0.5.13 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) the asf_read_header function in the ASF plugin (plugins/asfextractor.c), and (2) the parse_trak_atom function in the QT plugin (plugins/qtextractor.c).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2458 represents a critical security flaw affecting Libextractor version 0.5.13 and earlier implementations. This issue manifests as multiple heap-based buffer overflows that occur within the library's handling of media file metadata extraction processes. The vulnerability specifically targets two distinct plugin components within the Libextractor framework, creating pathways for remote code execution attacks that can compromise systems processing multimedia content.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary code paths within the library's plugin architecture. The first vulnerability exists in the asf_read_header function located within the ASF plugin at plugins/asfextractor.c, while the second vulnerability resides in the parse_trak_atom function within the QT plugin at plugins/qtextractor.c. Both functions process structured media file headers without adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to craft specially malformed input data that exceeds allocated buffer sizes. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for stack corruption and arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize Libextractor for metadata extraction from media files. Attackers can remotely exploit these flaws by providing maliciously crafted ASF or QuickTime media files that trigger the vulnerable functions during file processing. The heap-based nature of the buffer overflows means that attackers can manipulate memory layout and potentially execute shellcode within the context of the affected application. This vulnerability particularly affects applications that automatically process or extract metadata from user-uploaded media content, creating widespread exposure across various multimedia processing platforms.
The security implications of CVE-2006-2458 align with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and can be mapped to multiple ATT&CK tactics including execution through malicious file content and privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates how multimedia processing libraries can become attack vectors when proper input validation and memory management practices are not implemented. Systems utilizing Libextractor for automated media file analysis, content management platforms, and digital asset repositories face substantial risk from this vulnerability. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to upgrade to Libextractor versions containing fixes for these buffer overflow conditions, while also considering network segmentation and input validation measures to reduce exploitation risks.
This vulnerability type exemplifies the importance of proper memory management in multimedia processing libraries and highlights how seemingly benign file format parsing operations can create critical security entry points. The flaw demonstrates the necessity of comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in all file processing operations, particularly those handling structured binary formats commonly used in multimedia applications. Security professionals should recognize that vulnerabilities of this nature often remain undetected for extended periods, emphasizing the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews for multimedia processing components within enterprise applications.