CVE-2008-0747 in Jetaudio Basic
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in COWON America jetAudio 7.0.5 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL in a .asx file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5487.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0747 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in COWON America jetAudio version 7.0.5 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects the media player's handling of playlist files, particularly those with the .asx extension which are used to store multimedia playlists. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing specially crafted URLs within these playlist files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Unlike CVE-2007-5487 which addressed a similar issue in the same software, this vulnerability specifically targets the URL parsing mechanism within .asx files, making it a distinct yet equally dangerous threat vector.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when jetAudio processes a maliciously constructed .asx file containing an excessively long URL string. The software fails to properly validate the length of URL data before copying it onto the stack, which results in the overflow of adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the allocated stack space. The overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, allowing an attacker to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a specially crafted .asx file, making it suitable for user-assisted remote exploitation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to vulnerable systems, potentially installing malware, establishing backdoors, or conducting further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability affects users who may unknowingly open malicious playlist files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in email attachments, instant messaging systems, or file sharing environments. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through legitimate software channels. The attack surface is broad given jetAudio's widespread use and the common practice of sharing playlist files among users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0747 primarily focus on immediate software updates and administrative controls. Users should immediately upgrade to jetAudio versions 7.0.6 or later, where the buffer overflow has been patched through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should implement strict file type filtering and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of potentially malicious .asx files. Network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file access patterns and attempts to load malformed playlist files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and memory management, which aligns with industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and OWASP Top Ten security practices. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized media player versions and regularly audit their software inventory to identify and remediate vulnerable applications.