CVE-2007-5487 in jetAudio
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in COWON America jetAudio Basic 7.0.3 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL in an EXTM3U section of a .m3u file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5487 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in COWON America jetAudio Basic version 7.0.3. This security weakness resides within the media player's handling of playlist files, specifically in its processing of extended m3u format files that contain maliciously crafted URLs. The vulnerability manifests when the application encounters an overly long URL string within the EXTM3U section of a .m3u file, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the jetAudio application's playlist parsing routine. When the software processes an .m3u file containing an extended m3u section with an excessively long URL parameter, the application fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This fundamental flaw in memory management creates a situation where user-supplied data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities on compromised systems. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the jetAudio application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must open a maliciously crafted playlist file, typically through social engineering or phishing tactics, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute commands on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5487 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software version, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of jetAudio. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent the automatic execution of playlist files from untrusted sources, particularly those containing extended m3u sections. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious playlist files before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of opening playlist files from unknown or untrusted sources, as the user-assisted nature of the attack requires human interaction to be successful. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in all software applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in multimedia processing contexts.