CVE-2008-5235 in xine
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the demux_real_send_chunk function in src/demuxers/demux_real.c in xine-lib before 1.1.15 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Real Media file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5235 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the xine-lib multimedia library, specifically affecting the demux_real_send_chunk function located in src/demuxers/demux_real.c. This flaw exists in versions of xine-lib prior to 1.1.15 and creates a remote code execution vector through manipulation of Real Media file formats. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the processing of media container structures, particularly when handling chunked data segments within Real Media files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the demux_real_send_chunk function processes malformed Real Media files that contain oversized data chunks or improperly structured metadata. The heap-based nature of the overflow indicates that the vulnerable code allocates memory on the heap and subsequently writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent heap memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5235 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability affects any application or system that utilizes xine-lib for multimedia playback, including web browsers with embedded xine support, media players, and multimedia frameworks that depend on this library. Attackers can craft malicious Real Media files containing specially formatted chunks that trigger the buffer overflow during normal playback operations, potentially allowing for privilege escalation, system compromise, or complete remote control of affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web environments where users may unknowingly download and play malicious media content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5235 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to xine-lib 1.1.15 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement network-based restrictions such as content filtering and media file validation to prevent execution of untrusted Real Media files. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious media file patterns and implementing application whitelisting controls can provide additional layers of defense. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the execution phase of the attack lifecycle where adversaries seek to gain control over compromised systems through exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed and that no regressions have been introduced in the multimedia playback functionality.