CVE-2008-1558 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Uncontrolled array index in the sdpplin_parse function in stream/realrtsp/sdpplin.c in MPlayer 1.0 rc2 allows remote attackers to overwrite memory and execute arbitrary code via a large streamid SDP parameter. NOTE: this issue has been referred to as an integer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1558 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in MPlayer version 1.0 rc2 that stems from improper input validation within the sdpplin_parse function. This function processes SDP (Session Description Protocol) parameters during RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) stream handling, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The flaw manifests as an uncontrolled array index that occurs when parsing the streamid parameter in SDP messages, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can cause buffer overflows and subsequent memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic integer overflow scenario where the streamid parameter value is not properly validated or constrained before being used as an array index. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious SDP message containing an excessively large streamid value, the sdpplin_parse function fails to perform adequate bounds checking. This allows the index calculation to exceed the allocated array boundaries, resulting in memory overwrite conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically affects the stream/realrtsp/sdpplin.c file, which handles Real-time Streaming Protocol parsing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote code execution vector that can be leveraged by attackers without requiring authentication or local system access. An attacker can craft a malicious SDP message and deliver it to a victim running MPlayer, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the broader multimedia processing ecosystem since MPlayer is widely used for handling various media formats and streaming protocols, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit media players in enterprise and consumer environments. This issue aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and demonstrates how such flaws can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1558 should focus on immediate patching of MPlayer installations to the latest stable versions that contain proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to untrusted SDP streams, particularly in environments where MPlayer is used for processing external media content. Additionally, monitoring for unusual SDP parameter values and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed SDP messages can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling RTSP streaming capabilities in MPlayer when not required, as this reduces the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer handling and bounds checking in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting how memory corruption vulnerabilities can be leveraged for remote system compromise.