CVE-2008-1964 in Xine Lib
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Stack-based buffer overflow in the demux_nsf_send_headers function in src/demuxers/demux_nsf.c in xine-lib allows remote attackers to have an unknown impact via a long copyright field in an NSF header in an NES Sound file, a different issue than CVE-2008-1878. NOTE: a third party claims that the copyright field always has a safe length.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1964 represents a stack-based buffer overflow condition within the xine-lib multimedia framework, specifically within the demux_nsf.c source file. This flaw exists in the demux_nsf_send_headers function which processes NSF (NES Sound Format) header information. The issue manifests when processing NES Sound files containing an excessively long copyright field within the NSF header structure, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote attackers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This particular flaw demonstrates how multimedia processing libraries can be susceptible to buffer overflow conditions when handling malformed input data from untrusted sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the demuxer component responsible for parsing NSF file formats. The demux_nsf_send_headers function fails to properly validate the length of the copyright field before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. When an attacker crafts an NSF file with an oversized copyright field, the function attempts to copy more data than the allocated buffer can accommodate, resulting in stack memory corruption. This overflow condition creates unpredictable behavior and potentially allows for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires a user to open a maliciously crafted NSF file through a vulnerable xine-lib implementation, making it a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability through media processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or denial of service conditions. A successful exploitation could enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected xine-lib library is widely used in multimedia applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could affect numerous software packages that depend on this library for audio and video playback functionality. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers could deliver malicious NSF files through web-based attacks, email attachments, or other network delivery mechanisms without requiring local system access. The issue represents a significant concern for media players, streaming applications, and any software that processes NES Sound format files through the xine-lib framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1964 should focus on immediate patching of affected xine-lib versions and input validation improvements within multimedia processing applications. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of xine-lib where available, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing strict input validation measures within applications that process NSF files can help prevent exploitation by limiting the size of copyright fields and other header components. Network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted media files and monitor for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in multimedia frameworks and demonstrates how seemingly benign file format parsing can become a critical security concern when proper bounds checking is omitted.