CVE-2008-3567 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-zone scripting vulnerability in the NowPlaying functionality in NullSoft Winamp before 5.541 allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via an MP3 file with JavaScript in id3 tags.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3567 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the NowPlaying functionality of NullSoft Winamp media player software. This security weakness exists in versions prior to 5.541 and specifically targets the handling of id3 metadata tags within MP3 files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter JavaScript code contained within audio file metadata. When a user opens an MP3 file with malicious JavaScript embedded in its id3 tags, the Winamp player processes this metadata without adequate protection, leading to potential code execution in the context of the user's browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The flaw occurs because Winamp's NowPlaying component directly incorporates id3 tag data into its user interface without proper sanitization or encoding. When an attacker crafts an MP3 file containing JavaScript within the id3 metadata fields such as title, artist, or album information, the vulnerable player renders this data without escaping special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript commands. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can execute when the user views the NowPlaying information, potentially compromising the user's browser session and enabling further attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3567 extends beyond simple XSS execution, as it provides attackers with a vector for more sophisticated attacks within the user's browser environment. An attacker could craft malicious MP3 files that, when played through the vulnerable Winamp version, would execute scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even download additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates in a trusted context - users typically trust their media player applications to safely handle audio files, making social engineering attacks more effective. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond simply opening the malicious file, making it a significant threat vector for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrading to Winamp version 5.541 or later, which includes proper input sanitization for id3 metadata. Security professionals should also implement network-level protections such as content filtering and file type validation to prevent malicious MP3 files from reaching users. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping media player software updated. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious files and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing browser security controls and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful XSS exploitation attempts.