CVE-2008-1878 in xine-lib
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the demux_nsf_send_chunk function in src/demuxers/demux_nsf.c in xine-lib 1.1.12 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long NSF title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1878 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the xine-lib multimedia library version 1.1.12 and earlier. This flaw exists in the demux_nsf_send_chunk function located in the file src/demuxers/demux_nsf.c, which is responsible for processing NSF (NES Sound Format) files. The vulnerability arises when the application processes a specially crafted NSF file containing an excessively long title field, creating conditions where memory corruption can occur. The stack-based nature of this overflow indicates that the vulnerable function does not properly validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can manipulate the input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the demux_nsf_send_chunk function fails to perform adequate bounds checking on the NSF title field. When processing an NSF file, the function attempts to copy the title data into a stack-allocated buffer without verifying that the source data length exceeds the buffer capacity. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can supply a title string that overflows the allocated stack space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through network-based file delivery, making it an attractive target for remote code execution attacks. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1878 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a severe security concern for systems utilizing xine-lib for multimedia processing. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause application crashes that result in denial of service, but more critically, it may allow attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that depend on xine-lib, including media players, streaming services, and multimedia frameworks that process NSF files. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious NSF files through various vectors including web downloads, email attachments, or network shares, without requiring local system access. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that xine-lib was widely used in multimedia applications, making numerous systems potentially vulnerable to this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1878 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with updated versions of xine-lib that contain proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious NSF files, particularly in environments where automatic file processing occurs. Input validation measures including length restrictions on title fields and comprehensive sanitization of multimedia file headers should be implemented as defensive programming practices. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting multimedia libraries. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted multimedia files and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other multimedia processing libraries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Execution, highlighting the need for both preventive measures and detection capabilities to address the remote code execution potential.