CVE-2006-6547 in Winamp iPod Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the readAA function in read_aa.cpp in Winamp iPod Plugin (ml_ipod) 2.00 p19 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long tag in an audible.com audiobook (aa) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6547 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Winamp iPod Plugin version 2.00 p19 and earlier, specifically within the readAA function located in read_aa.cpp. This vulnerability emerges from inadequate input validation when processing audible.com audiobook files with the .aa extension, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted data can exploit the software's memory handling mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the plugin encounters a particularly long tag within the audiobook file structure, allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow through carefully constructed file contents.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In this case, the readAA function fails to properly validate the length of tag data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program memory. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the multimedia processing capabilities of Winamp when handling iPod plugin functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download and play audiobooks from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities, representing a severe security risk for affected systems. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause Winamp to crash or more dangerously, allow remote attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This creates potential for complete system compromise, especially when considering that Winamp typically runs with user-level privileges and could be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects users who are actively using the iPod plugin to process audiobook files, making it particularly concerning for those who regularly download content from the audible.com platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6547 should prioritize immediate patching of the Winamp iPod Plugin to version 2.00 p20 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should disable or remove the iPod plugin entirely from affected systems until proper updates are applied, particularly in environments where untrusted file downloads are common. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as content filtering and file type restrictions can help prevent exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1203 for exploitation for execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable plugin version, while user education regarding safe file handling practices remains essential for preventing exploitation through social engineering vectors.