CVE-2006-5567 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in AOL Nullsoft WinAmp before 5.31 allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) ultravox-max-msg header to the Ultravox protocol handler or (2) unspecified Lyrics3 tags.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5567 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Nullsoft WinAmp media player software prior to version 5.31. This flaw exists within the Ultravox protocol handler and Lyrics3 tag processing components of the application, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers with minimal user interaction. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check data received from network sources or specially crafted media files, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the application's heap space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct attack vectors that leverage different parsing mechanisms within WinAmp's codebase. The first vector targets the ultravox-max-msg header processing within the Ultravox protocol handler, where the application fails to validate the length of incoming header data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. The second vector involves unspecified Lyrics3 tag parsing, which similarly lacks proper bounds checking for tag content. Both attack vectors utilize heap-based buffer overflows that can be exploited through user-assisted remote code execution, meaning an attacker can craft malicious content that, when processed by the vulnerable WinAmp application, triggers the buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental memory safety issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5567 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to system integrity and user security. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the WinAmp process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user who launched the application. This can lead to complete system compromise, especially when users run WinAmp with elevated privileges or when the application is used in enterprise environments where users may have administrative rights. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious content through various channels including web-based media sharing platforms, email attachments, or peer-to-peer networks, making it particularly dangerous in widespread use applications like WinAmp.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5567 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 5.31 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Security administrators should also implement network-based restrictions such as firewall rules that block Ultravox protocol traffic on port 8000 and other related ports, as well as disable Lyrics3 tag processing in media files when possible. From an operational security perspective, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted media files and should be encouraged to maintain current software versions. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of older versions of WinAmp, and system administrators should monitor for suspicious network traffic related to Ultravox protocol usage. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve execution of malicious payloads through the compromised WinAmp process, potentially leading to further lateral movement within affected networks.