CVE-2006-3814 in Cheese Tracker
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Loader_XM::load_instrument_internal function in loader_xm.cpp for Cheese Tracker 0.9.9 and earlier allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file with a large amount of extra data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3814 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Cheese Tracker music composition software version 0.9.9 and earlier. This issue resides in the Loader_XM::load_instrument_internal function located in the loader_xm.cpp source file, which processes module files using the xm file format. The buffer overflow occurs when the application attempts to load specially crafted instrument data from a malicious file, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to open a specifically crafted file for the exploit to succeed, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the file parsing routine. When Cheese Tracker processes an xm file containing excessive data in the instrument section, the Loader_XM::load_instrument_internal function fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling the injection of malicious code. The flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a fundamental weakness in memory management practices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, as it enables remote code execution through crafted file manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3814 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the victim's system, potentially installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects all users of Cheese Tracker versions 0.9.9 and earlier, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this music composition tool in the early 2000s. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through social engineering or phishing campaigns. Organizations and individuals using vulnerable versions of Cheese Tracker face significant risk of system compromise, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted music files or where the software is used in collaborative or shared computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate software updates and user education. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Cheese Tracker version 1.0.0 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and avoid opening untrusted music files from unknown sources. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening files from unverified sources and the importance of keeping software up to date. From a defensive perspective, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in software development, particularly for applications that process external data files. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their software inventory to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, ensuring that legacy applications are either updated or properly isolated from critical systems.