CVE-2008-0629 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in stream_cddb.c in MPlayer 1.0rc2 and SVN before r25824 allows remote user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a CDDB database entry containing a long album title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0629 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MPlayer media playback software ecosystem. This issue specifically affects MPlayer versions 1.0rc2 and earlier SVN revisions prior to r25824, where the software fails to properly validate input data when processing CDDB database entries. The flaw exists in the stream_cddb.c source file, which handles communication with CDDB (Compact Disc Database) servers to retrieve album information during media playback. When a maliciously crafted CDDB entry containing an excessively long album title is processed, the software's insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption to occur, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient validation of input data allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This particular flaw operates under the principle of user-assisted remote exploitation, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to access a malicious CDDB entry, typically through a compromised music database or manipulated playback environment. The attack vector requires the victim to be running an affected version of MPlayer and to encounter the malicious CDDB entry during normal media playback operations, making it a sophisticated but achievable threat in environments where users frequently access external media databases.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0629 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow can lead to denial of service conditions, unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the affected user, and potentially complete system compromise depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability particularly affects multimedia environments where CDDB integration is enabled, making it relevant to music players, media centers, and any software that interfaces with external CDDB services to enhance playback experience with album information. Attackers could leverage this flaw to deploy malware, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to versions that contain proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement patch management protocols to ensure all affected MPlayer installations receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include disabling CDDB integration in environments where the risk is high, implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious database queries, and establishing secure coding practices that emphasize input validation and memory safety. The remediation approach should follow established security frameworks such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for buffer overflow prevention, ensuring that future code development incorporates proper bounds checking and defensive programming techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the software supply chain.