CVE-2007-6403 in Nullsoft Winamp
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Nullsoft Winamp 5.32 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted unicode in a .mp4 file, with crafted tags, contained in a certain .rar archive, a related issue to CVE-2007-2498. NOTE: for exploitation, the victim must select a certain menu option at the time of the attack.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6403 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Nullsoft Winamp version 5.32 that demonstrates the sophisticated nature of multimedia player security flaws. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of unicode characters within media file metadata, creating a pathway for remote code execution when users interact with maliciously crafted content. The flaw operates through a complex attack chain involving multiple file format manipulations, making it particularly dangerous in real-world exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within Winamp's media file parsing routines, particularly when processing .mp4 files containing specially crafted metadata tags. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of unicode data structures within the file's metadata, where the application fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it to fixed-size stack buffers. This classic stack overflow vulnerability is exacerbated by the use of unicode characters that can be manipulated to extend the buffer overflow beyond normal boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables arbitrary code execution through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6403 is significant due to its user-assisted nature and the specific interaction required for exploitation. Unlike fully automated remote exploits, this vulnerability requires the victim to actively engage with the malicious content by selecting a particular menu option during playback, which creates a social engineering component to the attack. The attack vector involves a .rar archive containing a crafted .mp4 file with malicious metadata, requiring multiple steps of file manipulation that make the exploit more complex but also more targeted. The victim must navigate to the specific menu option that triggers the vulnerable code path, which typically occurs during file playback or metadata processing operations. This requirement for user interaction reduces the automatic exploitation potential but does not eliminate the serious security implications, as users may be tricked into selecting these options through phishing or social engineering campaigns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the execution and privilege escalation domains. The attack leverages the principle of code injection through memory corruption, which maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation through application-specific exploits, where the malicious code execution occurs within the context of the Winamp application with its associated privileges. Additionally, the use of compressed archives for delivery represents a common technique for evading detection and creating layered attack approaches that align with ATT&CK technique T1027 for obfuscated files and information.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6403 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices. The most direct solution involves updating to a patched version of Winamp that properly validates unicode input and implements proper bounds checking in its media file parsing routines. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted media files and consider deploying sandboxing solutions that isolate media playback operations. Network-level defenses can include content filtering that blocks .rar archives and .mp4 files from untrusted sources, while endpoint protection solutions should monitor for suspicious file handling patterns. User education remains critical as the attack requires user interaction, making awareness training about suspicious file attachments and menu options essential for preventing successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as this flaw was addressed through subsequent software releases that implemented proper input validation mechanisms.